Saturday of week 31 in Ordinary Time, First Saturday - let us entrust ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Gospel: Luke 16:9-15
In today’s Gospel, Jesus declares: “You are the very ones who pass yourselves off as virtuous in people’s sight, but God knows your hearts.” These words remind us of a fundamental truth: what matters most is not how we appear before others, but how our hearts stand before God. We often invest considerable effort in protecting our reputation, gaining appreciation, and presenting ourselves favourably. Yet God looks beyond appearances, achievements, and public recognition. He sees our intentions, motivations, sincerity, and hidden desires. Jesus also reminds us that we cannot serve both God and money, because whatever occupies the centre of our heart eventually determines the direction of our life. True holiness is not about appearing perfect, but about allowing God to purify our hearts and make them increasingly faithful to Him. On this First Saturday, we entrust ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the beautiful example of a heart completely open to God. Mary did not seek human admiration or worldly importance. She treasured God’s Word in her heart and responded to His will with humility, trust, and love. Her greatness was not in how the world saw her, but in how completely her heart belonged to God. Devotion to her Immaculate Heart invites us to cultivate the same interior freedom, purity of intention, and undivided love. The message of Christ teaches us that our hidden faithfulness is often more precious before God than our most visible accomplishments. We do not need to impress God with appearances; we need to welcome Him with sincere hearts. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary help us become less concerned about what others think of us and more attentive to what God sees within us. Let’s reflect: Am I more concerned about maintaining a good image before others, or am I sincerely allowing God, through the maternal intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to purify my intentions and make my heart wholly His?
Don Giorgio