CONSECRATING OUR WHOLE LIFE TO GOD - 11/21/22 (Memorial of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

Luke 21:1-4

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112122.cfm

Blessed Memorial of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary! Today, we remember the event when the parents of Mary presented her to God in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. This is a practice done by the Jews according to their laws. At the same time, this dedication foreshadowed how the Blessed Virgin Mary would offer herself totally to God. To consecrate oneself means to dedicate oneself to the service of God. In the gospel reading for today, our Lord Jesus compared the poor widow to the wealthy people. He said that she put more than all of the rest. What our Lord is saying here is not just about her literal coins. Instead, God is showing us how the example of the poor widow should be a reflection of our spiritual life. We can read that from her poverty, the poor widow offered her whole livelihood. Her  poverty symbolizes the poverty of spirit, or humility, and her whole livelihood symbolizes how we should offer our whole life to God. 

The greatest example of this of all the followers of Christ and of all God's creatures is the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the Mother of humility. She has always been humble and obedient in her whole life. As recorded in the Scriptures, our Mother Mary is "full of grace" (Luke 1:28). Humility is the foundation of all virtues, and through humility, she completely followed God without committing any sin as a sign of the fullness of grace in her soul. Below, there is a link that speaks of this memorial, and St. Jerome narrated the spiritual life of Mary. From dawn to 9:00 am, she would pray in the state of complete recollection. From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, she would do her manual work without allowing herself to be distracted by vanities, and she would continue in her prayers afterwards. The Blessed Virgin Mary is also an great example when it comes to charity or love for her neighbors. The world prioritizes money and success. But, what is pleasing to God is to dedicate ourselves, even if we always fall, to Him in humility. May we also pray for parents to teach their children about the faith, especially the devotion to the rosary and to Mary, so that we can imitate her in our life. Despite our weaknesses and sinfulness, if we are humble, God will purify our hearts so that we can imitate, in some way, the immaculate heart of Mary, and we can have the hope of seeing our Mother and joining her in praising God for eternity in His heavenly temple. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

https://sanctoral.com/en/saints/the_presentation_of_the_blessed_virgin_mary.html

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/