Zechariah 2:14-17 / Matthew 12:46-51
The feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an event that is not recorded in the gospels.
But it is found in an extra-biblical source called the Infancy Narrative of James.
According to that text, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne had been childless, but then they received a heavenly message that they would have a child.
In thanksgiving, they brought the child Mary to the Temple to consecrate her to the Lord.
It was believed that Mary remained in the Temple to be formed and prepared for her role as the Mother of God.
The focus of this feast is to show that even in her childhood Mary was completely dedicated to God. It is from this account that arose the feast of Mary's Presentation.
A further reflection on this feast would also make us think about the environment at home and the formation that we are giving our children and our family members.
The Christian home is to be a sanctuary of prayer where the members can grow in holiness and in the ways of the Lord.
When our will is nothing less than to do the will of God, then together with Mary, we will present our lives as an offering that is pleasing to God.
But it is found in an extra-biblical source called the Infancy Narrative of James.
According to that text, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne had been childless, but then they received a heavenly message that they would have a child.
In thanksgiving, they brought the child Mary to the Temple to consecrate her to the Lord.
It was believed that Mary remained in the Temple to be formed and prepared for her role as the Mother of God.
The focus of this feast is to show that even in her childhood Mary was completely dedicated to God. It is from this account that arose the feast of Mary's Presentation.
A further reflection on this feast would also make us think about the environment at home and the formation that we are giving our children and our family members.
The Christian home is to be a sanctuary of prayer where the members can grow in holiness and in the ways of the Lord.
When our will is nothing less than to do the will of God, then together with Mary, we will present our lives as an offering that is pleasing to God.