This feast day, while not based on Scriptural fact, but rather pious tradition, deals with the presentation of the Virgin Mary when she was three years old at the Temple in Jerusalem.Tradition also has it that she spent a good deal of time there as a child with other children. Whether this is true or not is not significant. What is important is that Mary was no doubt raised in a Godly home which nurtured her sanctity.
May we make the sacrifice of raising our children in God's House, the Church, by having them attend Sunday School and in encouraging their religious life at home as well.
Propers for the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Collect.
O GOD, who on this day didst vouchsafe the Blessed Virgin Mary, the dwelling-place of thy Holy Ghost, should be presented in the Temple: grant, we beseech thee; that we may be found worthy to be presented unto thee in the temple of thy glory. Through thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Lesson - Ecclesiasticus 24:9-12
The Holy Gospel - St. Luke 11:27-28
Reference and Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presentation_of_Mary
http://www.episcopalnet.org/Saints/Nov21Presentation.html
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2 comments:
I've never heard of this feast day before, but am intrigued by it.
Do we really need to know Mary's background? Or are these traditions only for extolling messages (e.g. this one seems to promote Christian Schooling for Children) rather than factual accounts?
The message is important, raising children in a godly manner, yet it would be nice to have more information on the BVM. We have more biographical information on the Forerunner - St. John the Baptist, than we do on the Theotokos.
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