Thursday Mass - November 21st 2024

Summary

The Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The service includes prayers, hymns, and scripture readings highlighting Mary's role in salvation and the call to gratitude. The homily connects the Feast of the Presentation of Mary to the theme of offering thanks to God for His blessings. The congregation participates in the Eucharist, reflecting on the importance of returning God's gifts with gratitude. The service concludes with prayers, a blessing, and a Marian hymn, sending the faithful forth in peace.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mass is held at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday in the 33rd week of Ordinary Time, with a memorial for the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• 😀 The celebrant of the Mass is Timothy Cardinal Dolan, and it is being offered for the souls in purgatory.
• 😀 The opening hymn sung by the congregation is 'Immaculate Mary,' followed by the usual greetings and prayers for forgiveness.
• 😀 The Mass begins with the priest invoking God's mercy, so that all may participate in the Holy Sacrifice worthily.
• 😀 The scripture reading is from the book of Zechariah, highlighting God's promise to dwell among his people and His mercy for the faithful.
• 😀 The responsorial psalm, 'The Almighty has done great things for me,' is sung, emphasizing God's mercy and strength throughout generations.
• 😀 The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a moment where Jesus, in response to a message about His family, teaches that those who do the will of His Father are His true family.
• 😀 Father Dolan reflects on the significance of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a tradition of consecrating one's children back to God in gratitude.
• 😀 The homily ties the act of thanksgiving to the presentation of Mary in the temple, comparing it to our own acts of gratitude during Thanksgiving.
• 😀 The Eucharistic Prayer is offered, with the congregation praying for the unity of the Church, the deceased, and the intercession of saints, culminating in the Lord’s Prayer.
• 😀 The Mass concludes with a final blessing, calling upon the intercession of Sts. Joachim and Anne (the parents of Mary) and the Blessed Virgin herself, before a final hymn is sung.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the moment when Mary was presented in the temple as a child, dedicating herself to God. It reflects the Jewish tradition of presenting firstborn children to God, symbolizing gratitude and consecration.

Why does Cardinal Dolan mention the importance of gratitude during the Mass?

Cardinal Dolan connects gratitude to the act of presenting gifts to God. He explains that while God does not need our gratitude, it is essential for us to recognize that all we have comes from God and, through thanksgiving, we return our gifts to Him as an expression of appreciation.

What is the relationship between the two 'Presentation' feasts mentioned by Cardinal Dolan?

Cardinal Dolan references two Presentation feasts: the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (February 2nd) and the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (today's feast). Both involve the act of consecrating a child to God, emphasizing dedication and gratitude.

How does the Gospel reading from Matthew relate to the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

In the Gospel, Jesus redefines family by saying that those who do the will of His heavenly Father are His true family. This emphasizes the spiritual bond that surpasses biological ties, aligning with the theme of consecration and devotion in the Presentation feast.

What does the responsorial psalm 'The Almighty has done great things for me' express?

The responsorial psalm expresses gratitude for God's mercy and mighty deeds, highlighting themes of humility, divine strength, and God's faithfulness to His promises, especially towards the lowly and humble.

Why does Cardinal Dolan compare Thanksgiving to the Presentation of Mary?

Cardinal Dolan draws a parallel between Thanksgiving and the Presentation of Mary, explaining that both involve acknowledging God's gifts and returning them in gratitude. Just as we give thanks for the blessings we receive, we are called to dedicate those blessings back to God.

What is the significance of the Eucharistic prayers during the Mass?

The Eucharistic prayers are central to the Mass as they consecrate the bread and wine, transforming them into the body and blood of Christ. These prayers represent the sacrifice of Jesus and allow the faithful to partake in the mystery of His death and resurrection.

How does the homily connect the concept of 'giving back to God' with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday?

The homily connects Thanksgiving with the act of offering thanks to God for His gifts. Cardinal Dolan explains that when we offer gifts to God, we are recognizing that all blessings come from Him and we are returning them in gratitude, much like the Jewish tradition of presenting a firstborn child to God.

What role does the Blessed Virgin Mary play in the context of the Mass?

The Blessed Virgin Mary is honored as a model of dedication and humility. Her presentation in the temple is seen as an example of offering oneself completely to God. Throughout the Mass, prayers seek her intercession to help the faithful align their lives with God’s will.

What is the purpose of the final blessing and the hymn 'Daily, Daily Sing to Mary'?

The final blessing and hymn offer a spiritual send-off, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The hymn encourages the faithful to continuously honor Mary, celebrating her role in salvation and encouraging daily devotion to her example.