Feast of the Holy Family

 


FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY 


It turns out the Tin Man had a heart all along. He was pursuing something that he already possessed. What kind of a heart was it? We could describe it as an “awakened” heart. That’s the Wizard’s contribution: he awakens an otherwise dormant heart. What about the heart of Mary? Her heart will eventually be celebrated as the “Immaculate Heart.”  But that development comes later on in church history. Luke portrays her heart as a heart that ponders. Mary ponders what’s relayed to her by the shepherds (2:19). Furthermore, she reflects within her heart. She reflects when her son explains his prolonged stay in the Jerusalem temple (2:51). Finally, Luke provides one last detail concerning the heart of Mary: intense sorrow will be visited upon her heart (2:35). 


Future generations will have the opportunity to explore the “Immaculate” nature of Mary’s heart. Luke concentrates on another aspect—the “receptive” aspect. The heart beating within her needs to be understood as a receptive heart. Mary takes it all in. She takes in the events that are unfolding. She takes in the words that have been spoken. And, when the focus shifts to Calvary, she takes in the experience of agonizing sorrow. At no point does she close herself off. She manifests exactly what the Apostle calls for in chapter three of Colossians. He prays that the word of God will have a penetrating effect on the people of that Christian community (3:16). 


The word has the potential to transform you—but first it must be received. Greet the word by displaying a heart that corresponds with the heart of Mary. Adopt a receptive disposition. By doing so, the word will gain entry. The peace of God will gain entry (Col. 3:15). And yes, inevitably, daggers of sorrow will find their way into your heart. However, try to appreciate the fact that, for Mary, sorrow would represent just one part of a much larger picture. She doesn’t shrink when Simeon delivers his solemn prophecy. She’s ready to proceed with the heart that is beating within her. She will venture with that receptive heart, into the lion’s den and beyond. 


And, in his own way, the Tin Man will follow a similar path. His resolve will be questioned by the Wizard: Don’t you think you’d be better off as you are? The Tin Man remains steadfast. A functioning heart will bring a combination of advantages and disadvantages. But he would prefer this prospect over the prospect of a hollow existence. The Tin Man makes his preference very clear, and hopefully we can send a clear message to the Lord: Grant us a heart like that of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we be awakened from within O Lord. May the heart we present to you be fully awake and likewise fully receptive. 

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