The Presentation of Mary

The following was shared by Barb:

How Mary was Presented in the Temple - by St. John Eudes (+1680)

God inspired in the Heart of the pure Virgin Mary His own intense Love for humility and abhorrence of pride. She possessed, even from her infancy, a far greater horror of pride and ambition, and a far deeper love for humility, than did all the Saints together. It was the first virtue that she practiced. She abased and humbled herself before all. She esteemed herself, and would have been happy to be treated by others, as the last of all creatures. By the marvelous radiance of her Immaculate Conception, she beheld herself susceptible to the guilt of the children of Adam, except that God miraculously preserved her; and she considered that she might have been capable of all the sins in the world, whose source is original sin. It was this humility which attracted to her the countless graces which rendered her worthy to be the Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. Give thanks to Almighty God who resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, and offer him all the glory that this Maiden accorded to His Majesty by her practice of richest humility during her childhood and throughout the rest of her life.

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The following is from St. Michael's Center for the Blessed Virgin located in the beautiful Aloha State. Mahalo Thomas!

The Catholic community commemorates the Presentation of Mary on November 21. Although this feast cannot be proven historically, the Protoevangelium of James, gave account of Joseph offering Mary to the Temple when she was three years old in fulfillment of a promise made to God when Anna was still childless. At the temple, Mary was taught, lived with other little girls and was cared for by pious women.

The Presentation of Mary emphasizes that even as a little Child Mary's life was centered on God. She studied the Sacred Scriptures and awaited and hoped for the coming of the Messiah. Mary faithfully continued to follow the Lord God through her early childhood and beyond. On this feast let us then ask Our Lady to help us to consecrate ourselves entirely to God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, the Blessed Virgin Mary was dedicated to You by her parents when she was three. In the temple, she joined the girls who spent their days praying, reading Scripture, and serving the temple priests. Her holiness was very evident, and the high priest thought that You probably had great plans for her. I ask Mary to pray for the plans You have for my life. Where I have strayed onto a road of my own choosing, give me her hand to guide me back to where You want me. Where I need to wait for a new plan to begin, give me the grace remain patient and say, "Your will be done." Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for me. Amen.