Mary treasured all these things in her heart
As the time approaches for us to return home to the Caribbean, I find myself reflecting on the special heart warming moments of our visit to London. In this week’s Gospel Luke 2: 41-52 St Luke tells us that Mary did much of the same ‘His mother (Mary) treasured all these things in her heart.’
When we speak of a contemplative lifestyle, we also refer to taking the time to reflect on the significant moments of our lives and holding them in our hearts, just as Mary did. A contemplative lifestyle invites us to pause amidst the busyness of life, to cherish the blessings and lessons each moment brings.
As we prepare to leave, I find myself treasuring the laughter of family gatherings, the quiet walks under winter skies, and the shared prayers that deepened our bond. These memories remind us that, like Mary, we are called to see God’s presence in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our journey, carrying them with us as a source of hope and gratitude.
I imagine that Mary turned to the treasuries of her heart whenever she faced challenges, drawing strength from the profound moments she had witnessed and the promises spoken over her Son. In times of uncertainty or sorrow—perhaps as she fled to Egypt, searched for the boy Jesus in Jerusalem, or stood at the foot of the Cross—she must have recalled the Angel Gabriel’s words: “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you.”
These divine assurances, coupled with Simeon’s prophecy of Jesus as a “light for the world” and Anna’s declaration of redemption, would have been a source of hope and steadfast faith.
Mary’s example teaches us to cultivate a treasury of faith-filled memories—moments of grace, words of encouragement, and signs of God’s presence. When we face our own trials, we too can revisit these sacred treasures, finding solace and strength in the promises of God, just as Mary did.
As we begin a new year filled with uncertainty, let us turn to the treasures we have stored in our hearts—the moments of grace, love, and faith that have sustained us through life’s challenges. Like Mary, we can revisit these memories and the promises of God, drawing strength from them when the path ahead seems unclear.
These treasures remind us that even in uncertain times, God’s presence remains steadfast, guiding us with hope and purpose. May this new year be a time of deeper trust in His promises, as we hold fast to the treasures of faith and allow them to illuminate our journey forward.