Tản mạn: LEGIONARIES AND IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

 1/ Contexts:

+ When you read the Tessera, pause at the second page before the Catena. Right after “The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” appears the title “Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Have you ever wondered why this title is placed here, and what it means for us?

+ When reading the Legion Handbook, you may ask: Which chapters refer directly to the “Immaculate Heart of Mary”?

2/ Ideas:

From Physical perspective: Think of the hand. The heartbeat you feel in it comes from the heart, and warm blood keeps the hand alive. If the hand gets cold, the veins tighten and blood slows down. If it becomes very cold, the blood stops. Then the hand starts to freeze, the tissues die, and the hand becomes useless. If this continues, the hand will rot. (Chapter 9, No.3)

Look at Mary’s life: she understood that she was called not only to be the Mother of Joys but also the Woman of Sorrows. Having already given herself entirely to God, she now received Him completely. Mary grasped this truth even in the joyful moment of the Annunciation (Handbook, Ch. 9, No. 3). As Luke records, “Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” (Lk 2:19), and again, “his mother kept all these things in her heart” (Lk 2:51).

Most importantly, the Heart of Mary united with the Heart of Jesus always, as handbook mentioned: “In that moment [Annunciation], those Sacred Hearts entered into a union so close as to approach identity. Henceforth, they will beat together in and for the Mystical Body.” (Chapter 9, No. 3) 

Do we truly understand the meaning of the Acies, which is often celebrated on the Annunciation, March 25? This solemn act expresses that our hearts are united with the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Therefore, the above formula of consecration: “I am all yours, etc.” should not be mechanically or thoughtlessly pronounced. (Chapter 30, No. 1/ p.175)

3/ Duties of Legionaries:

To understand what form of service should characterize legionaries within the Mystical Body, we look to Our Lady. She is described as its very heart. Like the human heart sending warm blood through every vein and artery, her role is to send the life of Christ throughout the Mystical Body, bringing vitality and growth. Above all, this is a work of love. (Chapter 9, No.2)

In the Promise of Legionaries, “I so declare my entire dependence on her. She is the mother of my soul. Her heart and mine are one…” (Chapter 15, page 90)

4/ Conclusion:

In August, the month the Church dedicates to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we become more deeply aware of this criterion as a source of inspiration for our devotion as legionaries of Mary.

Author: Little Stream

Photo: Sister Vicky Yap