Mary Stored Up All These Things
A sermon by Saint Laurence Justinian, bishop (1381-1455)
Mary stored up all these things in her heart
Narrated by Frank Dugan, Huntington Beach, California
While Mary contemplated all she had come to know through reading, listening and observing, she grew in faith, increased in merits, and was more illuminated by wisdom and more consumed by the fire of charity. The heavenly mysteries were opened to her, and she was filled with joy; she became fruitful by the Spirit, was being directed toward God, and watched over protectively while on earth. So remarkable are the divine graces that they elevate one from the lowest depths to the highest summit, and transform one to a greater holiness. How entirely blessed was the mind of the Virgin which, through the indwelling and guidance of the Spirit, was always and in every way open to the power of the Word of God. She was not led by her own senses, nor by her own will; thus she accomplished outwardly through her body what wisdom from within gave to her faith. It was fitting for divine Wisdom, which created itself a home in the Church, to use the intervention of the most Blessed Mary in guarding the law, purifying the mind, giving an example of humility and providing a spiritual sacrifice.
Imitate her, O faithful soul. Enter into the deep recesses of your heart so that you may be purified spiritually and cleansed from your sins. God places more value on good will in all we do than on the works themselves. Therefore, whether we give ourselves to God in the work of contemplation or whether we serve the needs of our neighbor by good works, we accomplish these things because the love of Christ urges us on. The acceptable offering of the spiritual purification is accomplished not in a man-made temple but in the recesses of the heart where the Lord Jesus freely enters.
Source: The Liturgy of the Hours – Office of Readings
St. Laurence (1381-1455) was born at Venice of a noble family. His mother was widowed when he was a child and devoted herself to raising her children. At nineteen, Laurence joined his uncle as a canon regular of St. George’s Chapter, in a religious community on the island of Alga near Venice. Laurence practiced the most severe austerities and went about the city begging to support the community. He was ordained in 1406 at age 25. He was made provost of St. George’s, preached widely and taught religion. in 1433, he was appointed bishop of Castello, a diocese that included Venice. He became noted for his piety, charitable works, reforms and an exceptional peacemaking ability. In 1451, Pope Nicholas appointed Laurence, then 70, archbishop of Venice. He was venerated for his spiritual knowledge, his gifts of prophecy and many miracles. He wrote several mystical treaties, among them The Degree of Perfection. He died in Venice in 1455 and was canonized in 1670.