Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Yesterday we reflected on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It should not be surprising that, immediately following these considerations, we are invited to reflect on the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as a kind of continuation of who God our heavenly Father is.
He chose her to incarnate – to make flesh, to form within her womb – the human heart of his son. He chose her and that is not to her credit. But she believed and that is to her credit. That is why she is blessed. She responded to his invitation with single-mindedness, purity of heart, at the very time when, and in the very room where, the Angel Gabriel visited her, and she continues to fulfill that vocation to this day. What is the essence of that vocation?
“Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death…” Mary fully consented to do God’s will, and that will is the salvation of all. Her immaculate heart is “full of grace,” because the Trinity dwells there. It is also the refuge of masses of sinners rushing each day to hell. Her job description is to obtain for them the grace to keep out. And this she does. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.