Today, we mark the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The readings talk about the beauty and power of a good heart, a heart that reflects God’s own heart through acts of kindness, compassion, and humility.
In the first reading, Abraham sees three strangers approaching and immediately runs to meet them. He greets them with deep respect, bows before them, offers water to wash their feet, and prepares a generous meal of bread, meat, and milk, all without expecting anything in return. Abraham’s hospitality is pure and selfless, an act of goodness from the heart.
In the Gospel, we encounter a Roman centurion, a man of high rank, who takes it upon himself to seek healing for a servant, someone of lower status. He could have sent someone else, but he personally approaches Jesus. His concern is so deep it’s as though the sick servant were his own son. He does this with humility and faith, seeking no reward, only healing for another.
Jesus himself embodies the good heart par excellence. He goes about healing the sick, casting out demons, and restoring lives, for no personal gain, no recognition, no reward. His love is freely given.
We also remember today the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary accepted God’s will to become the mother of Jesus, even though it meant facing misunderstanding, rejection, and suffering. She embraced it all with trust and love, for no earthly reward. Her heart was pure, obedient, and full of grace.
These examples challenge us to reflect:
As people created in the image and likeness of God, is our heart like his?
Do we desire hearts like Abraham, the centurion, Jesus, and Mary?
What steps are we taking to cultivate such a heart?
May the Lord purify and transform our hearts, that we may love and serve others selflessly and joyfully, just as he does.
Amen.
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