June 17 Sat
Let us then with confidence come closer to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The Church gives us a particularly lovable feast to celebrate today, that of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to encourage us to trust in our Blessed Lady at all times. She is a fount of grace and mercy, a Mother who is able to give her children the grace they need for their journey at every stage of their lives.

During his life on earth, our Lord taught us that the good man out of his good treasure brings forth good. Our Lady's heart is filled to overflowing with love for God; it is the home of the Holy Spirit, and is moved by the very sentiments that move Christ's own Heart. From her heart, then, comes a flood of mercy and forgiveness. We read, “I am the Mother of Fair Love, of fear, of wisdom and of holy hope. In me is all grace for the way and the truth, in me is all hope of life and virtue. Come to me, all you who desire me, and fill yourselves with my fruits. For my spirit is sweeter than honey, my inheritance sweeter than the honeycomb.”

From Mary’s heart, says St Bernardine of Siena, “as from a furnace, does the Virgin bring forth good words, aflame with divine love, and thoughts of glowing hot charity. From a jar full of good wine, only good wine can be poured; from a furnace, only a raging fire can issue; so too, from Christ's Mother, nothing can come but sentiments of radiant love for God.”

Our Mother's Immaculate Heart shows us the true feelings we should have in our own. She encourages us to open our soul fully to God's grace, so that her Son, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, can come and make their home in it.