21 Nov
Wed 		Presentation of the BVM
Zac. 2:14-17
(R. Ps.) Lk. 1:46-55
Mt. 12:46-50
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According to an ancient tradition. Our Lady was brought to Jerusalem by her parents, to be presented to the Lord and then to be educated near the temple. It is probably just a legend.

Legends, however, are important in the life of a people. They give body to our dreams and ideals. Perhaps the two readings which the Church has chosen for the feast of Mary's Presentation can give us a clue to these ideals. The first reading from Zechariah, speaks of Yahweh's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, "Rejoice, O daughter Zion! I am coming to dwell among you." In Mary's coming to Jerusalem, the Lord comes to redeem His people. And not only His Jewish people, "All nations will join" the Jews in welcoming the Messiah.

The second reading focuses on Mary, but in a most surprising way. In one of the rare gospel references to her (after the prologues of Matthew and Luke), Jesus is informed that "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are here". He replies, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers and sisters? The one who does the will of my Father in heaven ?that is my mother and brother and sister". If we read this in the light of the feast today, Mary's greatness is her total devotion to Jesus, not only as her Son but as her Lord and Saviour. Her presentation in the temple, legend though it may be, symbolizes beautifully the attitude of openness and docility that made her God's choice.


Lord, help us to be open and docile to You as Mary is.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

"They began to proclaim the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31). The word "boldly" can also be translated as "audaciously" or with "forthrightness" in announcing the Christian message. The ideal agents of evangelisation should be "holy and exemplary persons". Though God could have spread His Kingdom without human collaboration, He has always sought human partners, who as suitable and free instruments, work for the salvation of humankind.

The laity can evangelise chiefly through prayer, the testimony of life and the establishment of a temporal order inspired by the Gospel. Though preaching the Gospel is the competence and principal duty of those who have been ordained, lay people, who have the necessary theological training, can preach.

Vatican II stresses the need for priests to be holy preachers. God ordinarily prefers to show his wonders through those men who are more submissive to the impulse and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because of their intimate union with Christ and their holiness of life, they are able to say with St Paul: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). Let us therefore pray that all those who devote themselves directly to evangelisation may live a holy life that emphasises the credibility of the Christian message.



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