"He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." - Luke 20:38
Today's celebration of Mary's Presentation in the Temple is a day in which we honor and are challenged to imitate Mary's commitment to God. The Father chose Mary to carry Jesus literally. We cannot forget that she said "yes" to this marvelous call despite the unknown future ahead of her. Mary is the face of courage! Praying the rosary is not one of our monastic traditions, as shocking as that may sound. However, I do have a practical devotion to Mary, in that, I try to make my life a regular imitation of her "yes" to the Father. Daily, I choose to say "yes" to the Lord despite the unknown ahead.
Jesus reminds us in today's Gospel that God is not the Lord of the dead but the living. Do your loved ones, colleagues, and parishioners encounter a living commitment to God in you? Do you live in a way that invites them to do the same?
Hail Holy Queen, I pray that we may have the same courage to live the Gospel and invite others to join us on the journey.
Reflection by:
Brother Lucius Amarillas
Did You Know...
Brother Lucius Amarillas, O.S.B., is a monk of Saint Leo Abbey. He was born in California but grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada where he served as a catechist in his parish. After coming to study at Saint Leo University, he decided to join the Benedictine monks at Saint Leo Abbey where he has recently professed his solemn vows. In the Abbey community, Lucius serves as Prior of the Monastary, the Abbot's right hand that assists him in caring for the monks and their needs. Br. Lucius is also an adjunct professor of theology at Saint Leo University.
