Homily: June 13, 2026, Memorial of The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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 aking the yoke of oxen, he slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh and gave it to his people to eat. Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant.”

I have heard this passage many times during my seminary days and throughout the past ten years of priesthood, especially during retreats. It is such a beautiful scene in the Old Testament describing how Elisha received and accepted God’s call.

Elisha was plowing in the field when Elijah called him. He not only left what he was doing, but he also slaughtered the oxen and burned the very equipment he had been using. He did not want to go back to his old life. It was a total commitment to God. In the same way, the disciples left their nets and followed Jesus.

Because of their openness and complete surrender to God, the Lord performed many wonders through them. The same is true for us. The more our hearts are open to God, the more God is able to work through our lives.

There is no one in the history of humanity who was as open to God as Mary was. Even though God blessed her with the singular grace of being conceived immaculate, she still had the same free will as all of us. She faced struggles, uncertainties, and suffering in her life.

Today’s Gospel presents the finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, one of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Yet even in sorrow, Mary’s “Yes” to God never changed. Her heart remained faithful, trusting, and open to God’s will.

Mary is our refuge. She is the refuge of sinners and the Help of Christians. She who formed Jesus in His humanity knows how to form a Christian heart. Let us go to her today and ask for the grace to open our hearts to God as she did, and as Elijah and Elisha did.

It is not always easy, but Mary, our gentle Mother, our Immaculate Mother, will help us and lead us closer to her Son.

Amen.


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