Mary's Consecraton and Ours

Today's Memorial of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is based on the apocryphal story in the Protoevangelium of St. James, and has no basis in history, but theologically, it underscores again the preparation of Mary as the Vessel who would carry the Word of God to the world.  It has been a popular feast in the East since the sixth century, and only in the 11th century was it adopted in the West. 
If we meditate on these words of St. Germanus below, with their beautiful imagery, we can come to a deeper appreciation of our Good Mother, so important in our Marist Spirituality. For we too are vessels consecrated to God the Father to bring forth Jesus to our world. How striking and inspiring it is to witnesss the total dedication of people to this mission.
Last night, helping out in a local soup kitchen known as  Bread and Roses, I saw people who had been volunteering there for 17 and 18 years, week after week serving donated food to those who had none.  One man had been working there for 34 years! They presented themselves to God at some earlier point in their lives for the service of others, and showed their commitment by sticking to it all these years.
What can we do in our own circle to follow in their footsteps, the footsteps of Mary?
May Mary's example provide the motivation we need
 "Hail, holy throne of God, divine sanctuary, house of glory, jewel most fair, chosen treasure house, and mercy seat for the whole world, heaven showing forth the glory of God. Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God and raised above all human condition, virgin soil, unplowed field, flourishing vine, fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child, mother without knowing man, hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity, by your most acceptable prayers, strong with the authority of motherhood, to our Lord and God, Creator of all, your Son who was born of you without a father, steer the ship of the Church and bring it to a quiet harbor" (adapted from a homily by St. Germanus on the Presentation of the Mother of God).
Bro. Rene