Readings: Genesis 18:1-15, Luke 1:46-55, Luke 2:41-51
“He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them, and his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)
Today, we celebrate the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, following the celebration of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus yesterday. The heart is the core of one’s being; it is where decisions are made. Hence, the word “heart” is used figuratively to refer to the whole person. Today, we celebrate Mary’s Immaculate Heart – we honour her as a woman who was preserved from original sin, firmly believed and cooperated with God, kept her heart pure and lived a sinless life.
In today’s first reading, Abraham showed hospitality to strangers. We would not be out of place to describe him as one with a large heart. Abraham was kind to strangers when he had no reason to be; in return, he received a concrete assurance of God’s promise of a son. This story teaches us the importance of showing kindness to strangers. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Abraham entertained angels without knowing it. It was only after they had eaten that they revealed their identity to him. Be kind to people, even if you don’t know them. Jesus asked: “If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matthew 5:46-47).
Abraham fed the angels not because he wanted anything from them but because he knew they needed food and water. In our society, people are more likely to help you when they perceive you are well-to-do or connected. Avoid practising selective kindness. Learn to put yourself in others’ shoes. “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12) No matter the greatness of your problems, there is something you can do to help someone.
By feeding the strangers, Abraham can be likened to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose memorial we celebrate today. When she heard that Elizabeth was now in her sixth month, she quickly ran to her aid. On the other hand, when Sarah laughed at the possibility of having a child in her old age, the Angels said, “Is there anything too wonderful for God to do?” This question also points to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is proof that there is nothing too hard for God to do.
If God could make Sarah conceive Isaac in her old age and make Mary conceive Jesus despite being a virgin, it means there is nothing too complicated for Him. (What God cannot do does not exist.) Whenever you go on your knees to pray, meditate briefly on the lives of Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, and even the Blessed Virgin Mary, and tell yourself that whatever you are asking for is not too difficult for God.
As we celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary, let us examine our hearts. Mary was never proud. She acknowledged she was just a handmaid of God and never sought praise and exultation from her fellow women, unlike the Pharisees, who loved to be greeted obsequiously in the marketplaces. Mary knew when to speak and when to be silent. In today’s Gospel passage, Mary “treasured everything in her heart.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us a secret: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). Only a heart so pure can contain God as Mary did. Is my heart like Mary’s? What efforts am I making to guard my heart against all defilements of evil? What kind of things do I treasure in my heart?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse our hearts from all impurity and sinfulness. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Immaculate Heart of Mary. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Genesis 18:1-15, Luke 1:46-55, Luke 2:41-51).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu