Today is Nov. 21, memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Today at Mass, the psalmist prays: “Sing to the LORD a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel be glad in their maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their king” (Ps 149:1-2).
Today, as we commemorate the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, we are invited to reflect on Mary’s life as a total offering to God. Tradition holds that as a young child, Mary was presented in the Temple by her parents, Sts. Joachim and Anne. This act was not merely a cultural tradition but a preparation for Mary’s special vocation.
The Latin word praesentare means “to present,” “to offer” or “to place before.” It is derived from praesens (meaning “present” or “at hand”) and implies bringing something or someone into view or making them available in a particular place or context.
Before God entered the womb of the Virgin Mary, she, who was sinless, had to enter God’s dwelling place. Mary’s entrance into the Temple is an eloquent icon of total self-giving. Just as Mary was presented and dedicated to the Lord, we, too, are called to present ourselves before God, offering our lives as living sacrifices. This act of offering is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of faith, hope and love.
God, who chose Mary before all ages, was preparing her to become the sacred dwelling place for his Son — the uncontainable God entering human history through the Incarnation. This feast highlights Mary’s unique role in salvation history. Mary is intimately associated with her Son as the Mother of the Suffering Servant. Her presentation symbolizes the readiness to embrace God’s will, foreshadowing her ultimate “yes” at the Annunciation.
On this memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, may we ask for her intercession to help us grow in our commitment to God. Let us strive to emulate her purity of heart and steadfast faith, so that we, too, may become vessels of grace in the world.
Prayer for the memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
As we venerate the glorious memory of the most holy Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, O Lord, through her intercession, that we, too, may merit to receive from the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
My Daily Visitor spiritual reflections are a dose of daily Catholic inspiration from Our Sunday Visitor magazine. Get these reflections in your inbox: Sign up here!
