Eternal Father, we honor the holiness and glory of the Virgin Mary on this feast of her Presentation. May her prayers bring us the fullness of Your life and love. Amen.

The article reminds me of some earlier studying. I was a little fuzzy on the history of the kings in Israel until I took the time to read 1 Samuel earlier this year. Of course Samuel was called by God to be His prophet, then the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines and the Ark was captured and placed in the temple of Dagon. Scripture recounts a number of events eventually leading up to the Israelites wanting a king to be appointed over the people “as other nations have”.

“Samuel was displeased when they asked for a king to judge them. He prayed to the Lord, however, who said in answer: ‘Grant the people’s every request. It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their King. As they have treated me constantly from the day I brought them up from Egypt to this day, deserting me and worshiping strange gods, so they treat you too. Now grant their request; but at the same time, warn them solemnly and inform them of the rights of the king who will rule them.” 1 Samuel 8:6-9

Well, we know how the rest of that went leading to Saul and his treachery, then to David and his anointing as king, precursor to Christ the King. How different His Kingdom. How blessed His subjects.

Let us continue to pray fervently for all those who reject the True King. Lord have mercy. Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.

http://www.hli.org/index.php?option=com_acajoom&act=mailing&task=view&listid=2&mailingid=682

Lord, your children have assembled in answer to Your call, but we sometimes struggle in various ways to clad ourselves in full armament. Help us to finish the task so that we are fully prepared. Tighten the straps of our armor, strengthen our shield arm, and cleanse us with Your Love so that we suffer no distraction from Your perfect Will.

“He spread abroad the glory of his people,
and put on his breastplate like a giant.
He armed himself with weapons of war;
he planned battles and protected the camp with his sword.
In his actions he was like a lion,
like a young lion roaring for prey.
He pursued the wicked, hunting them out,
and those who troubled his people he destroyed with fire.
The lawbreakers were cowed by fear of him,
and all evildoers were dismayed.
By his hand redemption was happily achieved,
and he afflicted many kings;
He made Jacob glad by his deeds,
and his memory is blessed forever.
He went about the cities of Judah
destroying the impious there.
He turned away wrath from Israel
and was renowned to the ends of the earth;
he gathered together those who were perishing.”

1 Maccabees: III: 3-9

I felt compelled to read the 1st Book of Maccabbees again last night from start to finish. Truly history repeats itself. The above verses written about Judas Maccabbees clearly foreshadow Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Take comfort in these words.