Gospel: June 28, 2025
June 28, 2025 (Saturday)
The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Psalter: Week 4 (White/Red/Green)
St. Irenaeus, bishop, martyr and doctor
Lk 1:46-47, 48-49, 50 & 53, 54-55
The Lord has remembered his mercy.
1st Reading: Genesis 18:1-15*
Gospel: Luke 2:41-51
Every year, the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, as was customary. And when Jesus was 12 years old, he went up with them, according to the custom of this feast. After the festival was over, they returned, but the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents did not know it. They assumed that he was in their group of travelers, and, after walking the whole day, they looked for him among their relatives and friends. As they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem, searching for him; and, on the third day, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. And all the people were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents were very surprised when they saw him; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I were very worried while searching for you.” Then he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand this answer. Jesus went down with them, returning to Nazareth, and he continued to be obedient to them. As for his mother, she kept all these things in her heart.
Reflection:
“Their hearts are united in love.”
Just as Mary stood by the cross of Jesus, so the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary stands beside that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Their hearts are united in love and totally dedicated to doing God’s will. Mary’s heart has the qualities of purity, compassion, reflection and dedication.
Conceived without original sin, Mary, in full freedom, chooses continually to follow God’s will, and so now lives in the glory of heaven, having offered herself as the handmaid of the Lord (Lk 1:38). Mary pondered the marvels of God and stored them up in her heart, so that in recognizing God’s hand at work, she might give praise to him in rejoicing (1:46-55). Mary has a deep compassion for the needs of others and intercedes on our behalf for what we lack (Jn 2:3). Mary is the model of dedication to God, even when she did not understand what was happening. Mary is desperate to find her lost son, whom she discovers is not lost but at work, doing his Father’s will. Thus, in joy and sorrow, she remains faithful, always saying yes to the Lord, always uniting her heart to God’s. Mary, make our hearts like yours!
