The Immaculate Heart of Mary – June 20, 2020

The Blessed Mother was a true contemplative. Three times in Sacred Scripture we hear about Mary reflecting on events in her life. The first time was at the time of the Annunciation when the Angel Gabriel greeted her with the title “full of grace.” Mary then “pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” (Lk 1:29). Later, after the birth of Jesus, the appearance of the angels and the visit of the shepherds, Mary “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Lk 2:19). Then, after Jesus was found in the temple and told Mary, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house.” (Lk. 2:49), Mary again “kept all these things in her heart.” (Lk 2:51).

Just as devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a special form of devotion to the Person of Jesus, so the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a special form of devotion to Mary. The devotion points to Mary’s interior life, her joys and sorrows, her virtues and hidden perfections Ultimately the devotion points to her virginal love for her God, her maternal love for her Divine Son, and her motherly and compassionate love for her sinful children in this “valley of tears.”