THURSDAY, FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Is 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19 Ps 102: 13-21 Mt 11: 28-30
THROUGH MARY TO JESUS
The Church today, and moreover the Carmelite family, rejoices as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. On October 13, 1917, during the final apparition at Fatima, the Virgin Mary appeared to the three children as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding the Brown Scapular and reassuring her protection. The promise she made to St. Simon Stock (1251), she renews every day, continuing to shield us within the maternal folds of her mantle.
In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a soul yearning: “The way of the just is smooth; the path of the upright you make level.” Isaiah speaks of a deep longing for God, a heart that seeks Him in the watches of the night. This reflects the “interior castle” of the soul that the Carmelite saints, like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, taught us to journey through. Mary is the perfect model of this upright path. She is the “Flower of Carmel,” who walked the level path of total surrender, her soul always magnifying the Lord, even in the shadows of Calvary. In the Gospel, Jesus extends a tender invitation “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” He asks us to take His yoke and learn from Him, for He is “meek and humble of heart.” There is no better place to learn this meekness than at the school of Mary. To wear the Scapular is to “yoke” ourselves to Mary’s virtues, allowing her to lead us gently to Christ.
Today, as we celebrate her feast, let us entrust ourselves once again to her care. Let us wear not only the scapular, but also her spirit in our hearts, a spirit of humility, prayer, and trust. O Mary, Queen and Beauty of Carmel, wrap us in your mantle! In our weariness, lead us to Christ. In our struggles, be our strength. In our journey, be our guide. And at the end of our lives, bring us safely to the eternal rest promised by your Son. Amen.
Response: From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.
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