Fr Paul reads from the Gospel of Luke (2: 41-51) in which Jesus (at the age of 12) stays behind in Jerusalem after the Festival of the Passover without his parents’ knowledge.

‘His mother stored up all these things in her heart…’, today, we celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Fr Paul says this devotion to the Immaculate Heart began in the 12th Century. During the 17th Century St John Eudes made this devotion popular along with the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which we celebrated yesterday.

Twice in Luke’s Gospel it is mentioned that Mary ‘kept all these things in her heart’ pondering the Word of God so Mary shows each of us how to listen to the Holy Spirit in the depths of our hearts. Also, how to respond in faith.

For our reflection today, Fr Paul invites us to follow the example of Mary that we might look quietly into our hearts and hear what God is saying to us.

After his reflection, Fr Paul shares that he will be absent for the next few weeks due to a surgery required for a cancer diagnosis he received. He is positive about what is taking place. In his absence, his colleagues will continue providing our Gospel Reflections.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr Paul and all those in our Parish who maybe sick or facing surgery at this time.