THE IMMACULATE HEART POINTS US TO THE SACRED HEART - 6/25/22 (Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

Luke 2:48-51

When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for You with great anxiety.” And He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand what He said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and His mother kept all these things in her heart.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062522.cfm

For more information on the Marian Consecration, click here:

https://www.catholiccompany.com/how-to-make-your-st-louis-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary/

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Blessed Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary! After the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus yesterday, we are now commemorating the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary today. Their two hearts are always united and inseparable. When our Lord was in Jerusalem, He stayed in the Temple without His parents knowing it. But, when St. Joseph and our Mother Mary realized it, they immediately looked for Jesus and found Him in the Temple. Then, Jesus told His mother and His foster father as to why they were looking for Him. We should not understand this as if our Lord was telling them that they were wrong for looking for Him. But, He asked them a question, so they would reflect on it in their hearts. 

And, this is what we see in the life of our Mother. The Blessed Virgin Mary kept all of these things in her immaculate heart and pondered on it. Why did she persevere in looking for Him? Its because our Mother loves her Son. Mary is filled with grace, even from the beginning of her life, which is why she's immaculate and does not have any stain of sin. Because her heart is pure, she does not have any desire except to see God and to love Him. The love of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she was finding Jesus in the Temple should inspire us to persevere in finding our Lord in our own lives. He is just within the temple of our hearts, waiting for us to look for Him. The maternal love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary will help us to love Jesus even more. 

During the moments of temptations, we should look for Jesus. During the time of suffering, we should find Jesus. During the time that we committed sins, we should beg for mercy from Jesus. During the time that we are in the Church, we should visit and honor Jesus in the Tabernacle. And yet, our hearts that are full of brokenness and weaknesses make it more difficult for us to come to Him. This is why we should not depend on ourselves but ask help from the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this way, we take our identity as her beloved children. Our Mother is telling us to practice devotions to her by always praying to her, reciting the rosary, and being consecrated to Jesus through Mary. The link for the 33 day preparation to Marian consecration, as advocated by St. Louis de Monfort, is seen above this reflection. 

Let's also take this time to praise God and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus for the overturning of the Roe Vs Wade case in the Supreme Court. This is a critical step toward the legal protection of all unborn children. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is offended and pierced by the injustice done towards the unborn children whose rights are violated. Let's pray through the intercession of Mary for the souls of the aborted children, for conversion of supporters of abortion and for the healing of the mothers who underwent this tragic experiences. By being devoted to her Immaculate Heart, we can have the hope that the Sacred Heart of Jesus will reign in our hearts and in the world. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic