The Gospel for the memorial of the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is taken from St. Luke 19:41. 44th verse. As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, if this day you only knew what makes for peace, but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you. They will encircle you, hem you in on all sides.

They will smash you to the ground and your children with you. And they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation. Compassion is the heart of everything you teach. You long for us to be lifted out of a place of darkness and fear. Help us to feel this ministry that comes so clearly from you, but not always coming from the religion that we may be engaged in. The shadow of religion is its condemnation of sin, when in truth, the real religion that we’re called to is one of understanding and compassion.

Please reflect on these images found in the scriptures. And now we’ll close with a prayer. Foreign closing prayer. Father, awaken us to who you are so that when we understand more fully about your presence dwelling within us, we will recognize you when we feel things differently. Not quick to judge, but more importantly, quick to love. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.