Friday, November 27, 2015

Presentation of Mary and Preparation for Advent




Holy card, unknown artist
I hope you all had a very blessed Thanksgiving. We are far from our relatives but so very grateful for our friends here and the great weather! Feeling especially thankful for all God's gifts.

We pray daily: Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It is fascinating that the beginning of the liturgical year, Advent (praying for the coming of the Lord Jesus), is preceded by a minor feast of the Blessed Virgin on Nov. 21st -- that of her presentation (not to be confused with the Presentation of Jesus as an infant, celebrated on Feb. 2nd). At the age of 3, Mary's parents give her to the temple and little Mary consecrates herself completely in the service of the Lord. She is, of course, full of grace, and prepares herself so thoroughly that the infinite God deigns to enclose Himself within her virginal womb. Let us prepare our hearts like Mary to celebrate the mystery.

The link has some history and beautiful reflections. Enjoy!
Presentation of the Virgin by Titian, 1535



3 comments:

Faith E. Hough said...

I've never seen that painting by Titian. The image of the little girl alone on those huge steps...so striking.
Mark has always thought of this picture of Zoe as a study for the Presentation of Mary--don't you think it has that feel? http://www.livepraypaint.blogspot.com/2014/02/zoe-in-blue.html

Vijaya said...

I love how confidently Mary is going up the steps. Yes, Zoe in Blue does have a similar quality. It reminded me of one of Bouguereau's paintings when I first saw it.

Johnell said...

What a beautiful painting. Thank you for acquainting me with it.