The Presentation of Mary

The Presentation of Mary

The feast of the Presentation of Mary commemorates the tradition that Mary was consecrated to God at the temple from an early age — her life shaped and prepared for the extraordinary calling that would come. Whatever the historical details, the theological truth is clear: God prepared the vessel before He filled it. The greeting of Gabriel — 'highly favored' (kecharitomene — literally 'one who has been graced,' perfect passive participle) — describes a state already existing before the announcement. She had already been prepared. The grace preceded the call.

Luke 1:28's greeting to Mary reveals a principle that appears throughout Scripture: God prepares people for their purposes before the moment of calling arrives. Moses was formed in the desert for forty years before the burning bush. David was shaped on the hills with sheep before the throne. Paul was in Arabia for years after his conversion before his mission began. The preparation is not visible as preparation until the calling arrives. Whatever season of preparation you are in — whatever seemingly uneventful formation is occurring in you right now — it is not wasted. God is preparing a vessel. The call will reveal what the preparation was for.