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In setting the Jewish people free from Egypt, God saved their firstborn male children, when some mysterious affliction "the angel of death" killed the firstborn male children of the Egyptians. As a consequence, the Jews considered the firstborn male child to be sacred, to belong to God. They expressed this sense of the sacredness of the firstborn male child in a liturgical ceremony. The parents gratefully presented their son to the Lord in the Temple with gifts. As faithful Jews, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to the Lord in the Temple.
In the Rosary, we call the Presentation of Jesus a joyful mystery. The celebration of the birth of a firstborn child is, of course, a joyful occasion for any family. Yet, in the midst of this joy, for the Jewish family there was the painful memory of slavery in Egypt. In the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, there is further pain, and sorrow. Mary hears how people will be divided because of her Son, and how she herself must face pain and anguish, must share her Son's sufferings: "your own heart shall be pierced by a sword."
Father in heaven, in times of joy teach us to be sensitive to the pains and sorrows of others. In times of sorrow, fill our hearts with the joy of hope.
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DAILY OFFERING
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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.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the Pastors of the Church may always be docile to the action of the Holy Spirit in their teaching and in their service to God's people.
Elaboration
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