Zechariah 2:14-17 / Matthew 12:46-50
Today's feast of the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not an event that was recorded in the gospels.
But the celebration of this feast of the presentation of Mary goes back to as early as the 6th century.
It is based on an ancient tradition that says Mary was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem when she was 3-years-old and dedicated to God.
That tradition also named Joachim and Anne as parents of Mary. They were childless and they prayed to God and they were blessed with a child in the person of Mary.
Mary was a blessing from God to her parents.
Mary was also a blessing from God to humanity as through her came forth the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ.
Hence it was God chose to dwell in Mary in a very special way. In response, Mary placed her whole self at the service of God.
Mary also invites us to join her to present ourselves everyday to God to be at His service.
Like Mary, may God's will be done in us and may we too join Mary in the mission of salvation.