November 21 + The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today's feast is associated with an event recounted not in the New Testament, but in the apocryphal Infancy Narrative of James. According to that text, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne, who had been childless, received a heavenly message that they would have a child.

In thanksgiving for the gift of their daughter, they brought her, when still a child, to the Temple in Jerusalem to consecrate her to God. Mary was taken to the Temple at around the age of three in fulfillment of a vow and there she was educated in preparation for her role as the Mother of God. She remained in the Temple until her twelfth year, at which point, Joseph was assigned as her guardian and spouse.

The Feast of the Presentation of Mary dates back to the 6th century in the East and the 15th century in the West. What we celebrate on this day is 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 Divine plan. Mary placed her whole self at the service of God.

Every moment since your Baptism, God invites you to be open to His Grace, His Will and dedicate yourself to Him … just as Mary did.