Lord, stretch out your hand toward me

Greetings on this the Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary
Readings: Zec 2:14-17; Lk 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55; Mt 12:46-50
Notes: Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?

Jesus loved his mother. He loves us too.
He takes note that those who are as brother and mother. The evidence he cites is their doing the will of the Father.

• Do the will of the Father.
• Be Jesus’ mother.
• Be Jesus’ brother.

Lord, stretch out your hand toward me.

Reflection (franciscanmedia)

It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God’s saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary enriches her children. They—we—too are temples of God and sanctified in order that we might enjoy and share in God’s saving work.

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/presentation-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary

First reading
Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm (Gospel of Luke)

Note: If you have the energy, read the first two chapters of 1st Samuel.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/1
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/2
Hannah and Samuel prefigure the coming of Mary and Jesus in this Old Testament portion.
End Note.

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.

Alleluia Verse
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

Gospel Portion
But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”

And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

In reply we pray:

Lord, stretch out your hand toward me.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry