Preparing Our Hearts
On November 21st we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple. The story of Mary's early life is not found in the Bible but rather the Book of James (also called the Protevangelion). According to tradition, Mary was just three years old when her parents, Joachim and Anna, fulfilled their promise to offer her to the Lord. She ran joyfully into the arms of the priest Zacharias, even danced, and remained in the temple for nine years until she was ready for marriage.
Mary's offering was total dedication. Her heart was formed in silence, in surrender, and in anticipation. This feast becomes a doorway into Advent as we prepare for the birth of Christ. It also arrives just before Thanksgiving, when many hearts are heavy. Families are grieving, some tables feel emptier than they used to, and many people carry burdens too deep to name. And yet, the Church gives us this image: a child walking toward a mystery boldly and joyfully held by grace.
Are we walking with her?
This feast is not just about Mary's entrance into the temple. It's an invitation to celebrate our own entrance into the season, into the mystery, into our hearts. As Fr. Tom always says, we are containers of Christ. Is what is in our container reflecting Christ? How do we prepare our hearts to be containers of love and kindness this Thanksgiving and as we approach the birth of Christ?
Offer something small and sincere to someone else whether it be a gesture of help, a prayer, or even just the gift of presence.
When the table feels emptier or your family isn't getting along—place that story, that family member, that struggle into His palms. This is an act of trust, not because we are ready, but because He is holding all of us which includes what ails us too.
Reflect on Mary's Magnificat and let her words of thanksgiving become our own:
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior; For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. —Luke 1:46-55
Thanksgiving doesn't require us to be whole. It asks us to name what is still good, still true, still holy, even if we are surrounded by ruins. Remember, Mary said yes. She gave us His Son to walk through suffering, not to remove it. Christ enters our grief, our broken hearts, our empty tables and our silent prayers.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
In Christ,
Maria
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
