Celebrating the beautiful, holy, Immaculate Heart of Mary that loves her Son – and us – so much
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (June 12, 2021): 2 COR 5:14-21; PS 103:1-2,3-4,9-10,11-12; LK 2:41-51
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
By uniting ourselves with her heart we can more surely love and serve the heart of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a marvelous expression of her love for Christ our Lord, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. And because of her whole-hearted dedication to God, she is profoundly concerned for every one of His children. We, too, have a place in her heart. The Blessed Virgin Mary not only loves us, but also wants us to love her Son and honor and embrace His Sacred Heart. Mary grew up as a humble, holy, and loyal member of her Jewish family and community. At the calling of Almighty God through the Angel Gabriel, she totally accepted His Divine will. And, while her role as the Mother of Jesus and, therefore, of God is unique in the history of the world and of salvation, she is a magnificent example of how to live as a true Christian. Jesus was her life as He must be ours. Like her, we can pray the Psalm we hear today, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not His benefits.… For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is His kindness toward those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:1-2, 11).
When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the children at Fatima, Portugal in 1916-1917, she gave them a lovely prayer to say when they wanted to “offer up” a suffering or sacrifice: “O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Later, during World War II, Pope Pius XII consecrated the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pope St. Paul VI, Pope St. John Paul II, and Pope Francis have each repeated this special dedication. Now, let us resolve to offer ourselves to the compassion of Mary the Mother of God. By uniting ourselves with her heart we can more surely love and serve the heart of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Suggested missionary action: We can honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary by saying the World Mission Rosary today and often. We can especially ask her protection for all those who serve in the Church’s missions and the many men, women, and children they help.