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In the Rosary, we call the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple a joyful mystery. As well as the joy of going to the Temple, celebrating the birth of a firstborn child was a joyful occasion and an occasion for thanksgiving. Yet, in the midst of this joy, for Mary and Joseph there was a pain, a sorrow: "And your own heart shall be pierced by a sword." (Lk. 2:34-35). Mary would have to face a special kind of suffering: though she could not yet know it, the sword piercing Mary's heart referred to her participation in the Passion of Jesus, standing at the foot of the Cross.
However, "sword" is also a metaphor for discernment, decision-making. Hence the sword that pierced Mary's heart is also a symbol of her continual fidelity in faith to God. Mary did not know from the beginning everything that would happen to her Son or to herself. Each moment of her life demanded fidelity and the faith decisions which kept her in close companionship with God. As she walked the path of faith, she was close to us in her struggle to be a faithful disciple of Jesus.
Mary, Mother of Our Lord, walk with us on the pathway of faith so that, in union with You we may be faithful to Jesus all the days of our life.
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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 migrants throughout the world may be welcomed with generosity and authentic love, especially by Christian communities.
Elaboration
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