Be open to God’s grace

Way back to the 6AD, an ancient tradition based on the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of James (or the Protoevangelium of James (AD) attests that Mary was taken to the temple in Jerusalem by her parents when she was 3-years-old and was dedicated to God. Anne and Joachim who were barren and very advanced in age, receive a heavenly message that they will bear a child. So they decided in thanksgiving to take Mary to the temple and to consecrate her to the Lord. Today, we celebrate God’s free choice to dwell in the Blessed Virgin Mary in a very special way. And Mary responded to this privilege by giving her entire life for the service of God. “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38) Eleazar in the 2 Maccabees 6, Anne and Joachim, the parents of Mary are holy example and inspiration to parents and all generations, to offer their lives to the Lord through the sacrament of Baptism. In that very sacrament, we are not only offered to the Lord, but we also become the temple of the living God; temple of integrity and truth and vessels of God’s salvation. Whoever follows Jesus on this earth, like Mary will also follow Him in heaven as she did!

Lord help us to always be opened to your grace and dedicate ourselves to you all the days of our lives as Mary did.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO sac