THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THURSDAY OF THE THIRTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, NOVEMBER 21, 2024

THE PRESENTATION OF THE VIRGIN MARY

BY TITIAN (1534-38)

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

LK 19:41-44

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem,

he saw the city and wept over it, saying,

“If this day you only knew what makes for peace–

but now it is hidden from your eyes.

For the days are coming upon you

when your enemies will raise a palisade against you;

they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides.

They will smash you to the ground and your children within you,

and they will not leave one stone upon another within you

because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

REFLECTION

he saw the city and wept over it

Our Mother Mary is the role model for women. She lived in God's Divine Will and shows us how. Today we celebrate the presentation of Mary at the Temple. Though it is not in Scripture, it is widely believed that she was offered to God in the Temple when she was three years old. Anna and Joachim made a promise when Anna was childless.

The Presentation became a feast of the Church since the 16th century.

The presentation emphasizes Mary's holiness from birth. From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She raised her Son, showed Him how to pray, caressed Him when He fell, helped Him grow in God's love. She cried when He was hurt, was tormented at His torture on the Cross.

As Jesus wept over Jerusalem, Mary weeps with us. Pray a daily rosary. Invite her to be your mother.

God Bless You