Revelation 11:4-12, Psalm 114, Luke 20:27-40
The questioned raised by the Sadducees refers to an old law in which a man was obliged to marry his brother’s widow to raise up children in his brother’s name to provide a legal heir for the man’s property and to perpetuate the family name. People are transformed when they die, the question of marriage and children are of this earthly age. Marriage is not destined to exceed earthly existence. Jesus tells us that we are children of the resurrection who are neither married nor given in marriage. If we keep his word and do his will we shall be rewarded with eternal life. The feast of the Presentation of Mary recalls the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple and suggests that Mary’s life was, in some way, consecrated to God from her own earliest years. Mary gave expression to this consecration through her obedience to God. Let us imitate her virtues and enter into our heavenly inheritance.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
