Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back. The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf, the third had a face like that of a man, and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. The four living creatures, each of them with six wings, were covered with eyes inside and out. Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come."

The lion, calf, man, and eagle symbolize the noblest, strongest, wisest, and swiftest creatures created by God. They are covered with eyes and so are able to see all the good God does for His Creation. In response to what they witness, they give constant glory and praise to God. They call Him Holy and proclaim Him as their Lord God Almighty. In a similar way, we as Christians are called to be the noblest of people by following the commandments of God and living holy lives. We are called to be the strongest of people by bearing our crosses without complaint while resisting all evil. We are called to be the wisest of people by knowing the Truth and proclaiming it. We are called to be the swiftest of people by doing God’s Will without hesitation. These aren’t always easy to do, but thankfully God has given us the graces we need to proclaim day and night, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come."

How can we be nobler, stronger, wiser, and swifter in our faith? Are our eyes ever open to the wonders, graces, and glory of our Lord and God? In what ways can we proclaim the Good News and praise God, who was, who is, and who is to come?

O Lord, you are holy. Grant us the grace to be holy, too.

Amen.