Nov. 21, 2011 Monday: Presentation of Mary
Presentation of Mary
The Bible does not tell us anything about the childhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But tradition tells us that she was the daughter of St. Joachim and St. Anne. (We celebrate their feast day on July 26.) While still a young child, Mary was brought by her parents to the Temple in Jerusalem and presented her to the Lord. Mary’s whole life was to belong to God. He had chosen her to be the Mother of his Son, Jesus. The Blessed Virgin was happy to begin serving God in the Temple. And St. Joachim and St. Anne were pleased to offer their saintly little girl to God. They knew that God had sent her to them.
In the Temple, the high priest received the child Mary. She was placed among the girls who were dedicated to prayer and Temple service. While Mary received an education at the Temple, she also must have been a wonderful example to her companions of goodness and joy.
St. Joachim and St. Anne went back home. They praised and thanked God for their blessed daughter. And Mary remained in the Temple, where she grew in holiness. She spent her days reading the Bible, praying, and serving the Temple priests. She made beautiful linens and splendid vestments. Mary tried to do each of her duties well to please God. She grew in grace and gave great glory to the Lord.
Mary lived her whole life to please God. She was always aware of his divine presence. We can ask our heavenly Mother Mary to teach us how to stay close to Jesus every day.
-Daughters of St. Paul
The Bible does not tell us anything about the childhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But tradition tells us that she was the daughter of St. Joachim and St. Anne. (We celebrate their feast day on July 26.) While still a young child, Mary was brought by her parents to the Temple in Jerusalem and presented her to the Lord. Mary’s whole life was to belong to God. He had chosen her to be the Mother of his Son, Jesus. The Blessed Virgin was happy to begin serving God in the Temple. And St. Joachim and St. Anne were pleased to offer their saintly little girl to God. They knew that God had sent her to them.
In the Temple, the high priest received the child Mary. She was placed among the girls who were dedicated to prayer and Temple service. While Mary received an education at the Temple, she also must have been a wonderful example to her companions of goodness and joy.
St. Joachim and St. Anne went back home. They praised and thanked God for their blessed daughter. And Mary remained in the Temple, where she grew in holiness. She spent her days reading the Bible, praying, and serving the Temple priests. She made beautiful linens and splendid vestments. Mary tried to do each of her duties well to please God. She grew in grace and gave great glory to the Lord.
Mary lived her whole life to please God. She was always aware of his divine presence. We can ask our heavenly Mother Mary to teach us how to stay close to Jesus every day.
-Daughters of St. Paul
