Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
It is a happy coincidence that on this memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the response to the first reading for Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time is Mary’s Magnificat. In the context of the weekday readings this canticle appears as a song of praise for the Lord’s wondrous message to Abraham that his elderly and childless wife Sarah is to give birth to a son. “The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name” (Lk 1:49). And generations later, this same canticle will be Mary’s response to yet another heavenly messenger who proclaimed that she—even though a virgin—would give birth to Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and fulfillment of the covenant made with Abraham. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Lk 1:46-47).
Yesterday, on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, we celebrated the depth of Jesus’ love for us by the selfless sacrifice of his very life. He trusted in his Father’s will and poured out his lifeblood for our redemption. Today, we commemorate Mary’s love for humanity by her sacrificial acceptance of God’s will that she should be the mother of our Savior. It was no easy “yes” for her say. She knew that it would involve hardship and suffering. “This child is destined…to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Lk 2:34-35).
We too, are challenged to accept God’s will in our lives—often an assent that demands sacrifice and self-gift on our part. Can we embrace the Lord’s will in our lives out of love for our brothers and sisters as Mary so lovingly agreed to her role in God’s plan of salvation? We need not do this alone. We can turn to Mary for help. We can seek refuge in our Mother’s heart filled with love, knowing that she will lead us to God who did such great things for her and will have “mercy on all who fear him in every generation.” (Lk 2:50).
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections