FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
READINGS
1st Reading: 2 Cor. 5:14-21: From now onwards we do not judge anyone by the standards of the flesh.
Resp. Ps. 102(103): 1-4,9-12: The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger and rich in mercy.
Gospel: Lk2:41-51: Mary stored all these things in her heart.
Make known on my behalf that I PROMISE TO ASSIST AT THE HOUR OF DEATH, WITH THE GRACES NECESSARY FOR SALVATION, all who on the first Saturday of FIVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS CONFESS THEIR SINS, RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION, RECITE FIVE DECADES OF THE ROSARY, and KEEP ME COMPANY FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES MEDITATING on the MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY, with the purpose of MAKING REPARATION TO MY IMMACULATE HEART.” -The Promise of Our Lady to Sor Lucia.
REFLECTION
Yesterday, we celebrated the solemnity of the sacred heart of Jesus and today, we are celebrating the feast of Immaculate heart of Mary.These two hearts are one not only by human origin but also from the fact that the two hearts seek the will of God the Father. Two hearts full of compassion and love. Full of mercy and grace. If you love the heart of Jesus, you must also love the heart of Mary because that is the closest heart to Jesus.The heart of Mary burns for Jesus and all of us.
In today’s gospel, after searching for Jesus for three days, the parents of Jesus found him in the Temple- listening to the teachers of the law and asking them questions. When the Mother reported their experience in searching for him, He responded that they should know that he is busy doing his Father’s affairs. She pondered all these things in her heart. She never uttered a word of complaint or negative reaction, she saw the hand of God in all these things.
The reaction of Mary should be our reaction when we are confronted with situations beyond us. Rather than complaint about our anxieties and fears, our dissatisfaction and worries, let us ponder about them, place them in the hands of God and He will direct our path to carry out his will with great joy and confidence. When we allow negativity and ugly feelings to dominate our heart then it becomes real. When we fill our hearts with wickedness and bitterness, it becomes a reality.
We must remain positive by seeing everyone as the image and likeness of God. Listening to God and following in his path is very important for our spiritual journey. Our love must be centered on love for God and neighbor. May we not take the patience of God for granted and may we live our lives in conformity with the two hearts of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Sweet of Jesus be my love, sweet heart of Mary be my salvation.
HAPPY FEAST OF IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Fr. Joseph OSJ.
