Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In fact, this is one of the liturgical celebrations that is observed in both the Eastern and the Western Churches.
The Protoevangelion (Apocryphal gospel) of James (which was apparently written prior to the year 200AD) recounts the story of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple. In thanksgiving for the birth of their daughter Mary, Joachim and Anne decided to consecrate her to God, and brought her, at the age of three years, to the temple in Jerusalem. Mary’s presentation in the temple draws parallels to that of the prophet Samuel, whose mother Hannah, like Anne was also thought to be barren, and who offered her child as a gift to God at Shiloh.
Mary remained in the Temple until her twelfth year, at which point she was assigned to Joseph as guardian. According to Coptic tradition, her father Joachim died when Mary was six years old and her mother when Mary was eight. While the story is a legend with no foundation in history, the point is to show that even in her childhood Mary was completely dedicated to God.
The gospel account for today's liturgy tells the story of the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. When they met, Jesus looked up (into the tree) and said: Zacchaeus, come down ... for today I must stay at your house (Lk 19:5). This invitation changed Zacchaeus' life, just as Mary's presentation in the Temple changed hers. What about us? Have we experienced an encounter with Jesus ... or another experience of faith that has changed our lives?
Have a great day.
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