Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
It is difficult living out our faith in these challenging times. Today’s gospel gives us the perfect role model to imitate as we seek to be disciples of Jesus. Mary leads the way in living out her faith, actively seeking her Son, and reflecting in prayer on God’s love for her. Today on the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, it is helpful for us to look to Mary and her heart of grace, so we can learn how to deepen our relationship with God.
In today’s gospel, we hear the story of Joseph, Mary and Jesus going to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. The scripture explains that the family went “each year” and “according to festival custom.” Mary and her family know the importance of actively practicing the religious traditions of their faith. On the return trip home, Jesus stays behind unbeknownst to Mary and Joseph. When they realize that Jesus is missing, Mary and Joseph return to Jerusalem. After searching for three days, they find Him in the temple conversing with the teachers. Mary is astonished, and speaks to Jesus about her worries and concerns. The family returns to Nazareth, and Mary “keeps all these things in her heart.”
As I read this passage, there are many aspects of Mary’s deep faith that are evident. Mary (with Joseph) is devout in her Jewish practice. She joins others in taking part in the Passover services as proscribed. She understands that this is an important part of raising Jesus, since He accompanies them on this trip to Jerusalem. Like Mary, there are ways that we can live out our Catholic faith through the various sacraments. The Eucharist, in particular, is a way for us to come together as a community and celebrate God’s love through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This communal faith experience keeps Mary grounded, and our sacraments can do the same for us.
In this scripture passage from Luke, Mary actively seeks Jesus. As disciples of Christ, there may be times when Jesus seems lost. For whatever reason, Jesus’ presence and love can seem difficult to find. Like Mary, this is when we must continue to actively seek Jesus through prayer, scripture, community and sacrament. Mary speaks to Jesus and shares her worries and fears when she finally finds Jesus in the temple. Again, God wants us to share our entire self- our joys, fears, worries, pain, and doubts. In our relationship with God, we are invited to share our heart, since this is the place where grace can have the greatest impact.
Finally, Mary “keeps all these things in her heart.” This reflecting allows Mary to recognize God’s love and presence in the many details of her life. Although our hearts are not “immaculate” like Mary, we can still seek Christ and His presence in our world and then ponder on how we are being called to live out our faith. Mary shows us how to be grounded in our faith and prayerfully see the Hand of God even in the times of distress and trouble. Mary’s faith must have been great as she watched Jesus die on the cross. Her continual turning to God, placing all in God’s Hands and believing in God’s love, gave her the courage and strength to go forward- even when everything seemed to be lost. Throughout her life, Mary practiced “pondering things in her heart,” so even in the midst of death she can continue to stand and believe in the saving love of God.
Mary shows us how to be faithful disciples of Christ. Practicing faith within a community of believers, seeking God in daily living, and pondering how God’s love is being revealed in and through the world are all significant aspects of being a disciple. Mary lived this in a holy way. We are called to be disciples like Mary faithfully seeking, trusting and believing that God and His love will always be the final word.
Loving Father, Mary shows us how we are called to be open and receptive to Your love and grace. May we be open to Your Spirit, so we can experience Your presence in our lives. May we “ponder this in our hearts” so we can then go forth to bring Your love to the world. We pray all of this through Christ our LORD. Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline