He Stirs Forth

Greetings on this the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Zec 2:14-17; Lk 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55;
Notes:

Franciscan Reflection

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.

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

Summary
The franciscan reflection above keeps the memorial grounded in mystery, fact, and purpose. Mary plays a critical role in the stirring forth of the LORD. Together with the other Marian feasts, the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary, reminds us to put humans in the divine salvation story. God does not save us from without but from within the very peoples he loves. We share a role in the salvific plan.

Memorials

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Memorial of the Presentation of Mary
Memorial of the Queenship of Mary
Our Lady of Lourdes
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Lady of Sorrows
Our Lady of the Rosary
Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feasts

Feast of the Birth of Mary
Feast of the Holy Family

Solemnities

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Solemnity of the Annunciation
Solemnity of the Assumpton of Mary
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Because of Mary

Solemnity of Christmas (son)
Solemnity of Joseph, Husband of Mary (husband)
Memorial of Jochim and Ann (parents)

Reflection
Using the list above we can see just hove very critical Mary was in the salvation plan. Her, ‘Yes’ to the LORD is the penultimate response of humanity to the LORD. It is the next to last response. The final response is from the rest of us.

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.”

As marvelous as Mary is, and is she most certainly is, Jesus renews his focus on all of us. Is his question not an invitation?

For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Personal Reflection
When I read these sacred writings I am always reminded to read on two levels at least. How God has stirred forth through the ages and today specifically in the person of Mary. But also how God stirs forth within me. He left his heavenly throne and enthroned within me and you. He struck his tent and came to us that his tent may be raised [within] you again with joy.

Blessed Mother, pray for us!

First Reading
Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD!
He stirs forth from his holy dwelling.

Responsorial
O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

Gospel
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.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry