In accordance with Jewish custom, Mary's parents, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, brought her to the Temple and presented her to the Lord. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit to call their daughter Mary.
Let us pray the words of Saint Bernard who invites us to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did:
Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary. In danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart. If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination.
The Magnificat
The Canticle of Mary
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and Holy is his Name." Luke 1:46-49
We call Mary our Lady as we call Jesus our Lord, and when we pronounce her name we affirm her power, implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection.
Saint Ephrem said, "that the name of Mary is the key of the gates of heaven," in the hands of those who devoutly invoke it.
O Mary, on this Memorial of your Presentation in the Temple, we call upon you and entrust our prayers to you, our most loving Mother.
No comments:
Post a Comment