Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Luke 19: 45-48
A house of prayer, a heart for God

In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus entering the Temple and driving out the merchants and money changers. It is one of the few times we see him act with anger — not out of anger for himself, but for love of His Father’s house and compassion for the poor who were being exploited. The Temple was meant to be a place of prayer and encounter with God, yet it had been turned into a market where worship was overshadowed by greed. Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple was, in truth, an act of purification — a call to restore holiness where it had been lost.

This same call to purity of heart and worship is echoed beautifully in today’s feast: the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From her earliest days, tradition tells us, Mary was dedicated entirely to God. Her heart was the truest temple — spotless, humble, and open to the will of the Lord. Where the Jerusalem Temple had been corrupted by commerce, Mary became the new dwelling place of God’s presence, pure and undefiled.

In both the Gospel and the feast, we are reminded that God desires a pure heart more than grand buildings or rituals. We, too, are called to be living temples of the Holy Spirit — places where prayer, mercy, and justice flourish. Like Mary, we are invited to present ourselves wholly to God, not in outward show, but in inner sincerity.

As we honour the Presentation of Our Lady, let us ask her to help us keep our hearts free from the noise of greed, pride, and distraction. May she teach us to make our lives a “house of prayer,” where God’s presence is welcomed and His love made visible to others.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025