Presentation of Mary

Homily

The Presentation of the Blessed Mother is not only about her unique role in Salvation Mystery.  Certainly she had an integral part, because by saying "yes" to the Heavenly Angel Gabriel, the "Word" was made flesh. 

Being presented in the temple is a story that takes us back to her origins.  It is not only a story about BVM but also about her parents,   Sts. Joachim and Anne.  

Joachim and Anne were blessed to live to a ripe old age.  But for some unknown reason, Anne was barren.  In that society, being barren is publicly embarrassing and shameful.  People may wonder if they had done something that displeased or offended God.  

You can also imagine that Joachim and Anne saw blessings of children  among their extended families and close friends.  Some are kind enough to let Joachim and Anne babysit for them.  It is a blessing for them to be in the company of children.  But deep down, they long for their own.

It is without doubt that they were praying constantly for descendants.  It with hope that God would answer their prayers.  That God would give them an heir, a descendant that would carry on their family name.

"The Almighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name."

The merciful and gracious God look with favor upon this elderly couple.  God has blessed them with a magnificent and glorious child.  But soon afterwards, instead of thinking about preserving their family name and lineage, Joachim and Anne offer her back to God in the temple of Jerusalem (hence the feast today).  

Joachim and Anne was worried about not having descendants, but God has given them countless descendants.  Because we call Mary as Mother, we are also descendants of Joachim and Anne.  

Today's feast day is an opportunity to look back to our own family history, just as we look back to Mary's parents.  It is a time to call to mind the many sacrifices that ancestors have made to pass on the gift of faith for us.  Also, it is a time to be thankful to the generation of parishioners who made many sacrifices so that we cold have a gathering place to worship Almighty God in the Eucharistic ritual.  

Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, Sts Joachim and Anne, may we have an increase in gratitude for the many blessings and gifts especially the gift of faith. 

Glory be...