Word to the Wise
Saturday, June 12, 2010 - Immaculate Heart of Mary
[1 Kings 19:19-21 and Luke 2:41-51]....and his mother kept all these things in her heart......
Traditional Catholic devotion occasionally follows a way that might be termed, "like Son, like Mother.." The feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is meant to share some of the attention commanded by the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke presents Mary as the first and ideal disciple. She keeps what she learns about her Son in her heart and ponders it. A mother's heart may capture attention where the Son's might seem too awesome or powerful. All Catholic tradition about Mary tends to show up at all her feasts, no matter which aspect of her life may be celebrated. The enormous number of shrines and titles given to her testify to her importance not just in formal Catholic theology but in the hearts of the faithful. The liturgical practice of celebrating a votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin on Saturdays is another example of the desire to include Mary in the official devotional recognition of the church. We do not worship her as we do her Son, but it's never a good idea to forget Mom! AMEN