May the Lord give you grace, peace and health in the Holy Spirit. It is on 21st November 2022. We celebrate the memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We reflect on Revelation 14:1-5 and Luke 21:1-4
Even though we do not have scriptural proof, the Tradition hands over the event. The parents of the Blessed Virgin presented the little girl to the Lord in the temple at the age of three and She served the Lord until twelve years old.
I was in the Mini Word Youth Day held in UAE yesterday sharing some insights about anxiety and its impact on the life of youth. One of the organizers made a comment to me that what makes our youth anxious today is the fear of commitment and dedication.
Mary remains the exemplar of dedication for the generation. Her role in saving us cannot be summarized in black and white. Mother Mary gave everything to God as She believed that she was the handmaid of the Lord. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” (LK 1:38). The total surrender of our self, soul, and senses like that of Mary makes us come closer to the Lord who offered us all we have in today. In truth and reality, we are not giving anything that belongs to us indeed, but we duly offer all that God entrusted to us.
Only in giving the best to God, and the world, do we feel and cherish the power of love to the full. We never lose our freedom by dedicating and presenting everything that we received from the Lord like our beloved Mother Mary.
Commitment cannot be possible without discernment, and generosity of heart. “For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor.9:7).
The celebration reminds us to re-consecrate ourselves to God, our entire self. We all have something still need to present to the Lord in our life. May we approach God today in our humility, and offer our very selves to God. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Rom.12:1).
As Saints Anne and Joachim helped Mary to experience the grace, mercy, and love of God, may we make every effort to offer our children to God. May our beloved Mother intercede for us all. May we emulate her in presenting ourselves to the Lord. God bless you.