Reflection for Saturday June 13 Memorial of The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 2:41-51

Gospel: Luke 2:41-51

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And 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 what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

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Reflection:

The story is told of an octogenarian mother who was placed by her children in a home care facility. After two years there, she passed away. When her remaining belongings were turned over to her children, they discovered a daily journal she had written.

Its pages were filled with prayers, hopes, and deep longing for her children and grandchildren. Even in her loneliness and separation, her heart remained fixed on those she loved. Day after day, she remembered them before God, carrying them in her thoughts and prayers.

When Jesus went missing, the one most deeply affected was the Blessed Mother. Mary's anguish is very evident in the Gospel. Why was this so? It is because mothers carry us in their wombs for nine months. Even before we are born, they are already nourishing us, caring for us, and loving us. A mother's love begins long before our first breath and continues throughout her life.

The Blessed Virgin Mary cared for Jesus from His conception and birth until His death. There existed an unbreakable bond between the Blessed Mother and her Son, Jesus. Within the Immaculate Heart of Mary dwelt a profound love that only a mother can give to her child. She watched over Him, worried about Him, rejoiced with Him, suffered with Him, and remained faithful to Him even at the foot of the Cross.

Like the Blessed Mother, all mothers keep their children close to their hearts. They continually pray for us, think about us, and long for our well-being. We may not always hear their prayers or see their sacrifices. Often, their love is expressed in quiet ways—in their concern, their sleepless nights, their constant remembrance of us, and their unwavering hope that we will be safe, happy, and close to God.

If we could look into their hearts, we would find love, care, concern, and longing for their children. Such is the enduring and selfless love of a mother—a love that reflects, however imperfectly, the tender and faithful love of God for each one of us.

Today, let us pause and thank God for the gift of our mothers and for all those who have loved, nurtured, and prayed for us throughout our lives. Let us not take their love for granted. Instead, may we cherish them, honor them, and respond to their love with gratitude and affection while we still have the opportunity.

As we reflect on Mary's love for Jesus and the love our own mothers have shown us, let us ask ourselves: Do we truly appreciate the sacrifices, prayers, and love that have been poured into our lives, and what concrete step will we take today to show our gratitude before it is too late? —Marino J. Dasmarinas