Jun 17 – The Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Immaculate Heart of Mary (Latin: Cor Immaculatum Mariae) is a Roman Catholic devotional name used to refer to the Catholic view of the interior life of Mary, mother of Jesus, her joys and sorrows, her virtues and hidden perfections, and, above all, her virginal love for God the Father, her maternal love for her son Jesus Christ, and her motherly and compassionate love for all mankind. Traditionally, the Immaculate Heart is depicted pierced with seven swords or wounds, in homage to the seven dolors of Mary and roses, usually red or white, wrapped around the heart.
The Eastern Catholic Churches occasionally utilize the image, devotion, and theology associated with the Immaculate Heart of Mary. However, this is a cause of some controversy, some seeing it as a form of liturgical latinisation. The Roman Catholic view is based on their understanding of certain verses of scripture, particularly the Gospel of Luke.
- Wikipedia
2 Cor 5:14-21
Lk 2:41-51
…so that in him we might become the goodness of God.
There is a worship song I gravitate to when preparing P&W setlists. It begins with an exhortation, “I love you Lord…oh your mercy never fails me; all my days I’ve been held in your hand. From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God.”
I love you Lord…
Reflecting on this phrase, I cannot help but wonder how Mother Mary would have responded to God’s call to first, bear His child; and then to watch that son of hers be brutally tortured and crucified while remaining at the foot of the cross. I can only imagine the depth of her love for God. And while many of us struggle to love even those closest to us – i.e. our family members – we must remember that it is God who has loved us first…hence as His children, we must always find a way to radiate His love to others – something that is not so easily done.
…oh, your mercy never fails me;
At the turn of the year, I went through a period of internal conflict and struggle; a conflict that elicited a remark, that “You have changed from before.” That jolted me awake and caused me to wonder if I had let my circumstances blind me from the love that a filial son should exhibit. And true enough, when I had the time and space to be in Medjugorje, it was Mother Mary who reached out and whispered to me words of comfort and assurance as I navigated Cross Mountain while praying the Stations of the Cross. Indeed, God’s mercy is bountiful and unceasing. All He asks for is an open heart…to admit our weaknesses and failings.
all my days, I’ve been held in your hand.
Truly, the year has flown by and the challenges have been numerous, coming from all quarters. And thanks to Mother Mary and, I have been able to remain calm and continue on through the various storms that have come my way. And it is only because I believe that God has been holding me in His hands, sometimes shielding me, at times waking with my hand in His. But all the time, guiding me with His unconditional, immeasureable love.
From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God.
Brothers and sisters, if we are convinced and convicted that He guides us each and every day, then as we walk hand in hand with Jesus by our side, we can only ‘sing of His goodness’ by living out our calling (whatever that may be) and by fully utilizing the gifts that He has showered us with. I am immensely grateful to be able to serve in ministries that involve music and singing, ministering at inner healing and prayer retreats; and in another that hopefully, has an impact on Catholic youth and young adults; and in this very special ministry, that reaches out to many. I pray that He continues to flood all our hearts with His goodness and graces. And that if you are reading this reflection, you will share it with someone you know.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: We pray Abba Father, that you always light our paths and guide us on our journeys as we struggle in faith. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses. And give us a heart of humility to say ‘Yes’ in answer to your call.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for our heavenly Father and for his everlasting mercy.
OXYGEN 
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