Behold the heavenly tabernacle !

 The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast Day -November 21*

*The Feast celebrates Mary as a temple,

where God dwelt in a special way through her role as Mother of Jesus.

Giotto ~ Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple

From the Byzantine liturgy:

The most pure temple of the Savior, His most precious bridal chamber, the Virgin, sacred treasury of God's glory, enters today into the house of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of the divine Spirit.  Wherefore the angels of God are singing: "Behold the heavenly tabernacle!" ... Wherefore let us cry out to her with all our strength: "Joy to you, fulfillment of the Creator's plan!" At the moment when the young girl Mary was presented in the glorious Temple, "everything that humans build was already diminished by the praise in her heart."

Prayer after Communion (today's Liturgy)

As we receive this heavenly Sacrament,

we beseech, O Lord, your mercy,

that we, who rejoice in commemorating

        the Blessed Virgin Mary,

may by imitating her

serve worthily the mystery of our redemption.

Through Christ our Lord.

 

"Hail, holy throne of God, divine sanctuary, house of glory, jewel most fair, chosen treasure house, and mercy seat for the whole world, heaven showing forth the glory of God. Purest Virgin ... sanctuary dedicated to God and raised above all human condition, virgin soil, unplowed field, flourishing vine, fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child, mother without knowing man, hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity, by your most acceptable prayers, strong with the authority of motherhood, to our Lord and God, Creator of all, your Son who was born of you without a father, steer the ship of the Church and bring it to a quiet harbor." ~ Adapted from a homily of St. Germanus ~ Feast of the Presentation

"Hers was the happiness of first bearing in her womb Him

whom she would obey as her master." ~ St Augustine

Click here: Catholic Fire: The Feast of the Presentation of Mary