Thursday, November 21, 2024

"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.
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"Go then, go, O Queen of the world, O Mother of God, 
go joyfully to the house of God and there await 
the coming of the divine Spirit who will make you 
the Mother of the divine Word." - St Germanus (+ 730)



 Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary New 01.jpg (545×474)

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." (Rilke)

 

"God Himself, with the whole heavenly court, was 
greatly pleased and glorified the day when He beheld 
His spouse being led to the Temple.  Never had He seen 
a holier creature, nor one whom He loved so tenderly, 
come to offer herself to Him." Bernardine de Bustis (+1515)


"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, worthy of all praise, 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 mother hood, 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." St Germanus, homily 
 

"Hers was the happiness of first bearing in her womb
 Him whom she would obey as her master." - St Augustine
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