The daily Word of God

noviembre 21, 2025

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Lk 19:45-48 "My house shall be a house of prayer: but you have turned it into a den of robbers."

First Reading: 1 Mac 4:36-37,52-59

Judas and his brothers said, “Now that our enemies have been
crushed, let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.”
So the whole army assembled, and went up to Mount Zion.
Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth
month, that is, the month of Chislev, in the year one hundred
and forty-eight, they arose and offered sacrifice according to
the law on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had made.
On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled
it, on that very day it was reconsecrated with songs, harps,
flutes, and cymbals. All the people prostrated themselves and
adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success.
For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar
and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of deliverance
and praise. They ornamented the facade of the temple
with gold crowns and shields; they repaired the gates and the
priests’ chambers and furnished them with doors. There was
great joy among the people now that the disgrace of the Gentiles
was removed. Then Judas and his brothers and the entire
congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the dedication
of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness on the
anniversary every year for eight days, from the twenty-fifth
day of the month Chislev.

Responsorial Psalm: 1 Chr 29:10,11,11-12,12

R./ We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

“Blessed may you be, O LORD,
God of Israel our father,
from eternity to eternity.”
R./ We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

“Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power,
majesty, splendor, and glory.
For all in heaven and on earth is yours.”
R./ We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

“Yours, O LORD, is the sovereignty;
you are exalted as head over all.
Riches and honor are from you.”
R./ We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

“You have dominion over all,
In your hand are power and might;
it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.”
R./ We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

Gospel Reading: Lk 19:45-48

Jesus entered the Temple area and began to drive out the merchants. And he said to them, "God says in the Scriptures: My house shall be a house of prayer: but you have turned it into a den of robbers."

Jesus was teaching every day in the Temple. The chief priests and teachers of the Law wanted to kill him and the elders of the Jews as well, but they were unable to do anything, for all the people were listening to him and hanging on his words.

PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Memorial 
November 21

Readings:
Dn 1:1-6, 8-20; Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; Lk 21:1-4

Introduction

There is no indication whatsoever in the scriptures that Mary was presented in the Temple. But this pious legend wants to state something real: that Mary followed her Son, that her mentality and attitude was that of Jesus, and that like her Son she was entirely set on seeking God's will in everything. She was a true relative of Jesus mentally and spiritually, in the spirit of the Gospel of today.

Opening Prayer

Almighty God,
you know and you love us;
like Mary we know that whatever happens to us
we are in your hands.
Wherever you lead us,
you know here you want us to go.
We ask you for trust and faith.
Make your will our will,
that you may lead us to your home
under the guidance of him
who did your will in everything
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer over the Gifts

Almighty Father,
this bread and this wine
are signs that with Jesus and with Mary
we are ready to seek your will.
Allow us to share his table
as his brothers and sisters
and to follow him on his loyal way
to you, our God for ever.

Prayer after Communion

Lord, our God and Father,
with Mary we want to be
your true relatives, your mother,
your brothers, your sisters.
Make us capable of seeking your will
with the eagerness of Mary,
who did all the common tasks uncommonly well
because she knew she was serving you
as she served Jesus and his mission
with all that was in her.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.