Presentation of our Blessed Virgin Mary

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Today we’re celebrating the day when Joachim and Anna presented their daughter, Mary, in the temple. This isn’t documented in the Bible, but instead is referred to in the Protoevangelium of James and other texts of the time.

For me, honestly, the documentation of this event isn’t critical, because almost everything which happened at that time isn’t documented. Millions of people lived lives that we’ll never know about.

But I like the story because it points to a continuity of lives before and after Jesus. He didn’t pop out of nowhere, he was born of the Virgin.

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Our Lady of the Rosary

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What an amazing celebration we have today! This feast was begun in the 16th century and has changed a bit with various popes, but here’s the basic message:

With the help of Mary and our Son, we can and will emerge victorious.

From the snares of the devil, from sin, even from a global pandemic.

Of course, we might have to be thinking big picture – including the next life along with this one.

Forgive us our sins

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Ever notice how many of the Rosary prayers are plural, rather than singular?

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name….

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

I have to confess that I’ve always thought of this as me talking about myself, along with others who are also talking about themselves. But there may be a different way.

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Presentation of Mary

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

We celebrate the presentation of Jesus as a newborn in January, but here we have the wonderful opportunity to reflect on His mother’s birth.

November 21st is the celebration of when Anne and Joachim’s presentation of their newborn daughter Mary to the Lord. She was created as the future Temple of the Lord.

What happened at this point? Well, we have no documentation – we barely know her parents’ names.

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