+ Today’s feast – of the Presentation of Mary in the temple – by her parents - though not
scripturally grounded - is believed to have happened because of the
prescriptions that were part of Jewish family life.
At age three, supposedly, Mary
was presented to the priests of the temple for education. It was also seen as
an act of dedication of the girl-child to God: this, in contrast with the
presentation of boy-children eight days after their birth for circumcision.
There was always a special
consideration given to Mary’s presentation to the House of God, because she
herself became a “house of God” – the Mother of God – who dwelt in her womb for
nine months before being born into our world to save us! This feast was
accepted more readily in the Eastern Church, and it is only in the 16th
century did it become a feast of the universal church.
In
any event, the important thing to note is the gospel passage’s
insistence by Jesus that doing the will
of God is always the most important
activity of any given moment.
Sts. Joachim and Anne, Mary’s
parents were obedient to his will by presenting Mary; Mary was obedient by
remaining in the temple for her period of education; she was always obedient as
Mother of the Savior – although this involved many deep sorrows on her part,
but also many surpassing joys; and finally, any of us who do God’s will moment
by moment belong to this divine family, a great company, indeed –and we will
into eternity!
O
Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father!
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