Holy
Rosary Month - Day 11: Joyful Mysteries 4
The
Presentation: In
the fourth joyful mystery we meditate on the presentation
of Jesus in the temple.
The long awaited Messianic prophecy was fulfilled and we saw the joy of both
the heaven and the earth. This sharing in of joy continues in the fourth
mystery. “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart,” (Lk
2:19) for every life received from the Lord is a gift as well as mystery. Joseph
and Mary knew that it is the son of God but they had to fulfill the mission
received through the angel, “You shall name him Jesus.” (Mt 1:21; Lk1:32) After
eight days, the child, God’s gift was given the name Jesus, meaning Savior, (Mt
1:21) as foretold by the angel. (Lk 2:21) When the time came for Joseph and
Mary to present infant Jesus in the temple according the Law of Moses, they
took him to the temple. Though they were poor people they offered a sacrifice
of a pair of doves or two young pigeons, as required by the law. Now we find that
the joy is shared with the two holy people; ‘Simon to whom the Holy Spirit had
revealed that he would not die before seeing the promised savior and Anna, a
very holy prophetess. Simon took the child and gave thanks to God of Israel and
Joseph and Mary were amazed at the things prophet Simon said about Jesus. Anna
also gave thanks to God of Israel and spoke about the child to all who were
waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.’(Lk 2:28-38)
Yes,
the joy of the gospel is continued here; it is not only in listening to the
word of the Lord but in living as per the word and the promise. We find here a
fine continuation of Mary’s spirituality. The mystery of visitation: The word
of God makes Mary serve others and share in joy with others; Mary hurried visit
to Elizabeth after receiving the annunciation. How happy Mary and Elizabeth
were! The mystery of presentation: The word of God prepares Mary fulfill all
her duties as per the Law and share in joy with others; Mary’s naming of Jesus
and presentation in the temple. How happy Mary, Joseph, Simon, and Anna were!
Prayer:
Oh Mary, mother
of Jesus! We come to you for your maternal help and protection. Mary our mother
and guide; help us to understand the meaning of being faithful to the word of
God and live a Christian life accordingly. In this holy mystery we specially
pray for those who have received abundantly God’s gratuitous gifts but lead a
life of ingratitude. Let them be filled with the real spirit of gratitude
through the intercession of holy Mary, and proclaim ‘we are ordinary servants;
we have only done our duty.’ (Lk 17:10) Amen!
Greetings:
Wish you all a nice and blissful Marian Saturday!
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