Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This past Monday, the Church celebrated The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The origins of this feast stem back to the early Church. It was not until 1585 Pope Sixtus V made this a feast day in the Universal Church.

Although there are no writings in the canonical books regarding Mary's Presentation, the Protoevangelium of James states that Mary was brought to the temple by her parents Sts. Joachim and Anna to consecrate her to God.

The Protoevangelium states that Mary was overjoyed on this occasion and she danced on the steps of the temple of the Lord.

Waiting on God

Mary's parents had longed for a child for many years. They remained faithful in prayer and they waited. They never turned against God in their difficulty. And because of their faithfulness, they received the greatest reward any parent could ask for, a perfect daughter. Mary was conceived without sin - she is perfect!

Overjoyed at the birth of Mary, her parents consecrated her to God at the temple in Jerusalem.

Give all that you have

Sts. Joachim and Anna were willing to give their only daughter in the service of God. They remind us  that everything we have in this world is not ours. All things belong to God.

In a world that sometimes seems to be driven by materialism and a see-it-to-believe-it mentality, it is difficult for us to grasp the reality that we truly own nothing. As we came into this world, so shall we leave it.

But, that doesn't mean we should despair. After Mary's parents consecrated her to God, she became the Ark of the Covenant; she brought forth the Saviour of the World.

It is in giving that you shall receive

As we approach this Advent, let us remember that all things belong to Our Lord and that He is good. God is faithful.

No matter how long a journey can seem, or how lost a hope can be, we have a great intercessor, the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is the result of two great saints who gave all that they had.