Today the Church celebrates the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This memorial is based on the tradition that, as a small child, Mary was presented to The Lord by her parents in the temple. Throughout her life, Mary fulfilled this ?giving of her life to God? in a very special way.
Scripture mentions nothing of her life before the angel Gabriel appeared to her (Luke 1:26-38), but that story speaks volumes about Mary?s total submission to the will of God. Mary said ?yes? when asked to do something that was beyond human understanding. But by her ?yes?, she became the Mother of God and assisted in bringing about the salvation of all mankind!
Mary said ?yes? to Gabriel because she was truly dedicated to living out God?s will in her life. She fulfilled the promise made when she was presented in the temple. In a similar way, all of us who were baptized were presented to the Lord. Are we saying ?yes? to everything God asks of us? Do we willingly accept all of the difficulties that life presents to us each day? Do we try our best to be cheerful and brighten the day of those individuals who God places in our path? Do we truly seek to follow God?s will even if it is difficult?
Sometimes it?s not fun, but it wasn?t fun for Mary either. She understands?Ask her to help you. She will bring you closer to her Son and that?s a good place to be!
O God, Who didst will that this day the ever blessed Virgin Mary, dwelling-place of the Holy Ghost, should be presented in the temple: grant, we beseech Thee, that through her intercession, we may be worthy to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through our Lord.
Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal