The Presentation of Mary

The feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin of Mary is commemorated each year on November 21.

According to the Catholic News Agency, tradition is that Anna and Joachim were married for 20 years without having any children. Joachim prayed to God for a child and promised he would dedicate that child to God in the Temple of Jerusalem. Before Mary’s birth her parents received a heavenly message that they would bear a child. 

And thus, their request was answered. When Mary was 3 years old, in thanksgiving for God’s gift, they brought her to the Temple to consecrate their only child to the Lord. 

The Feast of the Presentation commemorates the faith of Mary’s parents and the purity of Mary. The earliest possible source was in James 1:12.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres in trials, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.”

Once upon a time I had a tiny 3-year-old girl who is now a grown lady. She had big blue eyes and blonde hair. I picture her like Mary, not sure of all the happenings in her future, just going along with her parent’s guidance. Mary probably had olive colored skin and dark eyes and hair. Both Mary and my little girl sweet, happy and full of the wonders of life. 

When I go to the library, I love watching the mothers with their small daughters as they hold onto their hands, protecting them from any unpredictable harm that may arise as they both enter the library and search for that special book. I enjoy the tiny voice chit-chatting with their mom, the conversating back and forth. These little girls could be wearing soft, pink-colored dresses with matching slip-on shoes. I wonder what little Mary wore. Did she wear a light covering on her head, with a long dress and dark sandals on her feet? 

Was Mary aware of her importance and the part she would play in her future. Like any small child their innocence protects their little minds from the future. 

Mary was a gift to us as she became the important part she played in history and even now, the mother of our dear savior, Jesus Christ. 

In the Hail Mary, the end of the first stanza says,

“Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.”