The Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a symbol of love. It is a symbol of undivided love of Mary for God the Father, her motherly love for Jesus her Son, and her faithful love for the Holy Spirit. It is also the symbol of her ardent love for all of us her children.  The Immaculate Heart of Mary is most pure, most chaste, most generous and most compassionate.

Archangel Gabriel brought a message from God to our Mother Mary. She responded positively to God’s request from her Immaculate Heart. “Let it be done to me according to your word.” With these adorable words our Lady gave her consent to become the mother of God (LK 1: 26-33).

Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-45). The child in Elizabeth's womb leapt for Joy. The song of gratitude (Magnificat) exuded from the Immaculate Heart of Mary. My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior…

The Immaculate Heart of Mary was bruised and anguished. A sword of sorrow pierced the loving Heart of Mary in fulfillment of Simeon’s prophesy. Mary saw her Son dying on the cross, her Immaculate Heart was sorrowful and distressed.

This Immaculate Heart would rejoice at the resurrection of Jesus on the third day. The Immaculate Heart of Mary was filled with hope at the sight of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is our shield against sin, temptations and evils. It is the refuge of sinners. It is our refuge when we are facing the challenges of life. There is nothing we ask the Immaculate Heart that we will not receive because it is most loving, compassionate and understanding. The Immaculate Heart of Mary assists us to live a good Christian life and attain the reward of eternal life.

Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Oct 31, 1942. Pope John Paul II in union with bishops all over the world also consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25 1984.

The Tale of Two Processions

The joyful procession led by Jesus entering the town of Nain and the sorrowful procession led by a corpse leaving the town evoke a profound imagery of human existence (Lk 7:11-17). Our existence is essentially a tale of two processions of life or death. The two processions represent the consequential choices we have to make in realms and realities life.


THE PROCESSION OF LIFE

The procession of life was led by Jesus- the author of life.  Jesus says: I am the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). Jesus, the Way was also leading the way. The disciples led by the Life were  enlivened; following the Light were illumined; taught by the Truth were enlightened;  strengthened by the power of god were energized. In the company of Jesus, the disciples were happy and joyful because the joy of the Lord is their strength (Neh 8:10). The procession of life is both a lively possession and a lovely company.


THE PROCESSION OF DEATH

The procession of death was led by a corpse- a lifeless body. A large crowd of mourners was following this procession. This possession was anything but joyful. The people following this procession were sad, mournful and sorrowful. Their hearts were filled with anguish, agony and pain of a great loss. The mother of the young man swooned and was inconsolable because she lost her only child. She was shaken and shattered. She was absolutely devastated.


SYMBOL OF SPIRITUAL LIFE AND SPIRITUAL DEATH

Life is a tale of two processions. The two processions are symbol of Christian life (spiritual life) and sinful life (spiritual death). The first procession- the procession of life is the imagery of those living authentic Christian life by following Jesus. We follow the procession of life when we live according to the Spirit, follow the commandment of God, cultivate virtues and avoid vices, carry our cross everyday and follow Christ. Like obedient sheep, we follow the shepherd wherever He goes (Rev 14:4). Our ultimate reward is eternal life.

The second procession- the procession of death is allegory of sinful life. The people in this rueful procession follow the way of death. We follow The procession of death when we live in hoary denial of existence of God, live unspiritual life, live according to flesh, wallow in our sins, ignore the commandments of God, and follow our depraved inclinations. The road to damnation is broad and many travel it (Matt 7:13). The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23).

LIFE AS A PROCESSION

We often say that life is a journey. But life is more a procession. Since we do not undertake the journey of life alone. No man is an island. We undertake the journey of life in a procession, in the company of others. We have to choose between the procession of life and the procession of death, between spiritual life and spiritual death.  Who is leading my procession? In whose company am I travelling? Where is my destination? We will spend our whole life answering these fundamental questions.

Lord you will show me the path of life and in your presence happiness forever (Ps 16:11).

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Divine Jesus, You have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Behold me kneeling at Your feet, filled with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by Your Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary. I come to ask this favor: Mention your request).

To whom can I turn if not to You, Whose Heart is the source of all graces and merits? Where should I seek if not in the treasure which contains all the riches of Your kindness and mercy? Where should I knock if not at the door through which God gives Himself to us and through which we go to God? I have recourse to You, Heart of Jesus. In You I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when burdened with trials, and light in doubt and darkness.

Dear Jesus, I firmly believe that You can grant me the grace I implore, even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it and my prayer will be granted. I admit that I am most unworthy of Your favors, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercy, and You will not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a look of mercy, I beg of You, and Your kind Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a reason for granting my prayer.

Sacred Heart, whatever may be Your decision with regard to my request, I will never stop adoring, loving, praising, and serving You. My Jesus, be pleased to accept this my act of perfect resignation to the decrees of Your adorable Heart, which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and all Your creatures forever.

Grant me the grace for which I humbly implore You through the Immaculate Heart of Your most sorrowful Mother. You entrusted me to her as her child, and her prayers are all-powerful with You. Amen.

Source: EWTN