Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (2020)
Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (2020)
The Feast we commemorate today is a companion feast to the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus we celebrated yesterday. We remember Mary’s Immaculate Heart this morning.
In many Catholic Homes, throughout history, there have been two religious pictures that seem to go hand in hand. Also, in many Catholic chapels there seems to be two statues that are present that seem to complement each other. The two religious depictions are of Jesus and Mary. Each is pointing at their heart. Jesus’ heart usually has a crown of thorns around it while Mary’s heart has a sword running through it.
The woundedness that is shown is palpable. As we often hear on television these days, during news broadcasts, what we see might be disturbing for some. Many may think of religion as revolving around peace and joy, but Christianity, as we live it in this world, is not all about peace and joy.
In some sects of Christianity there seems to be a Theology that says that once we commit to following Jesus our problems will be solved. But Jesus never said that. He spoke of the passion that each believer will have to endure at some point in life.
We remember today how Simeon made a prediction when he met Mary. He said, “And you yourself shall be pierced with a sword-so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.”
We also recall today that, as Jesus was dying on the cross, he told Mary that she would not be the mother of the beloved disciple. That was a sign that Mary was going to be the mother of us all.
Mary is like every mother. She agonizes over we her children. When we hurt, we believe she is full of empathy. She is constantly praying for all of us. Mary’s love for us is without end.
1. How do I feel when someone says they are praying for me? Do I shrug off the comment or do I draw solace from it?
2. Does Mary’s prayer for me have special significance? We believe that Mary and all the saints are wonderful intercessors. When is the last time I asked The Blessed Virgin Mary to pray for me?
Dear Parishioners,
Remember that we once again will be having Mass outdoors at 9 a.m. on Sunday. We ask you to bring your own chair and to wear a mask. It has been wonderful to see people returning to Mass. I hope that God provides us with a wonderful day again.
Next week we plan on having daily Mass in the church at 8 a.m. We ask people to wear a mask and to keep physical distance. You will not need to go online to reserve a spot as we have asked you to do for indoor weekend Masses. We will be having one daily Mass until the renovations in the church are complete. We hope those projects will be finished in July. There have been some unexpected delays that we have been working with.
I will be sharing more information about Masses next week in my Sunday comment. There are still details about live streaming, etc. that are not finalized.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark