And you yourself a sword will pierce. Luke 2:35

The Presentation (of the Lord) is a beautiful, lyrical feast; a feast of the temple, of Mary as light-bearer, of Jesus as Lord. The liturgy is uplifting and poetic. But this is all on the exterior level. We have to enter into the reality, take the child Jesus into our own arms, open our hearts, like Mary, ready for the Word of the Lord to pierce us, showing us our weakness and sinfulness, our need of a Savior. Only when we recognize this need and try to be faithful can the Spirit reveal all he wants to give us. ~Sr. Elizabeth Ruth Obbard, ODC, in A Year with Mary

Dear Mary, Mother of Sorrows, I am afraid of suffering. Strengthen me to share with you the Passion of your Son. Amen.