The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, encourage our thanksgiving, prayer for reversal of fortune, and patience and faith in the promises of Christ.
The reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance righteousness and praise.
* [61:10–11] The new life of the restored Zion is expressed in nuptial (cf. also 62:5) and agricultural (cf. v. 3; 60:21) imagery. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 61, n.d.)
The response from 1 Samuel 2 is Hannah’s Prayer on reversal of fortune.
* [2:1–10] Hannah appeals to a God who maintains order by keeping human affairs in balance, reversing the fortunes of the arrogant, who, like Peninnah, boast of their good fortune (vv. 1, 3, 9) at the expense of those like Hannah who receive less from the Lord. Hannah’s admission places her among the faithful who trust that God will execute justice on their behalf. The reference “his king ... his anointed” (v. 10) recalls the final sentence of the Book of Judges and introduces the kingship theme that dominates the Books of Samuel. (1 Samuel, THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is found in the Temple after three days.
* [2:41–52] This story’s concern with an incident from Jesus’ youth is unique in the canonical gospel tradition. It presents Jesus in the role of the faithful Jewish boy, raised in the traditions of Israel, and fulfilling all that the law requires. With this episode, the infancy narrative ends just as it began, in the setting of the Jerusalem temple.
* [2:49] I must be in my Father’s house: this phrase can also be translated, “I must be about my Father’s work.” In either translation, Jesus refers to God as his Father. His divine sonship, and his obedience to his heavenly Father’s will, take precedence over his ties to his family. (Luke, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)
The Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries for June 17, 2023 is missing today and a reflection on yesterday’s readings is available.
The Daily Scripture net does not offer a reflection on the texts for the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the USCCB first reading from 2 Corinthians that declares there is no longer Jew or Gentile. The trip to Jerusalem for Passover, one of three pilgrimage feasts, results in Jesus being found in the Temple talking with the religious leaders after three days. Friar Jude notes that Mary holds this event in her heart and Luke uses it as a foreshadowing of Jesus' three days in the tomb.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Professor and Sister of St. Joseph Catherine Nerney who shares a prayer practice that strengthens our compassion for ourselves, one another, and the world. The Hindu blessing of Namaste, which has become universalized, reminds us that “when I am in that place of the Divine in me and you are in that place of the Divine in you, there is only one of us.” For this purpose, Thich Nhat Hanh and other Buddhist practitioners recommend that we regularly engage in a Compassion Meditation that is also known as metta or loving-kindness.… Take a few moments to let yourself be drawn into this contemplative practice for your good and others. Picture in your mind’s eye, try to encounter as vividly as possible, someone for whom you feel deep love and unity. Let him or her be there with you as you express these desires.
May you be happy.
May you be blessed.
May you be free and peaceful.
May you be ever loved.
May you be always loving. (Rohr, 2023)
We are aided in our desire to understand the message of Mary to followers of Christ by the enlightenment of the Spirit as we ponder the Word and Tradition.
References
Isaiah, CHAPTER 61. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/61
Luke, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2
1 Samuel, THE BOOKS OF SAMUEL. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/0
Rohr, R. (2023, June 17). One Reality: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/one-reality-weekly-summary-2023-06-17/
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