The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Today, we celebrate the memory of the Immaculate Heart of Mary—a heart filled with God, willing to listen and obey. In biblical language, the heart refers to the deepest essence of a person, from where all thoughts, words, and deeds come. What comes from the heart of the Virgin Mary? It is faith, obedience, tenderness, disposition, spirit of service, bravery, humility, simplicity, gratitude, and countless other virtues.

Why is this so? The answer lies in Jesus’ words: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt 6, 21). Mary’s treasure is her Son; her heart is wholly devoted to him. Therefore, Mary’s thoughts, words, and actions are rooted in Jesus’ contemplation; her heart is filled with the Lord.

Today’s Gospel provides a vivid illustration of this. After the episode of the lost and found Jesus in the temple, it is written: “And his mother kept all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51). Saint Gregory of Nyasa reflects on this: “God reveals himself to those with a pure heart”. What does Mary hold in her heart? From the moment of Jesus’ incarnation to the agonizing moments on Calvary and His ascension, her heart is a repository of numerous contemplative and profound experiences: The joy of the angel Gabriel’s visit, who revealed God’s plans for her, the first touch and the first embrace of the newborn child, the first steps of her Son on this earth , the observation of his growth in wisdom and grace, her “participation” in the wedding in Cana, Jesus’ teachings during his ministry, the pain of the cross, and the hope of the resurrection’s victory…

Let us ask God today to give us the grace to love him more fully every day, with all our hearts. We also have the opportunity to meet Him, listen to Him, and keep all His Words in our hearts, just like the Virgin Mary.