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Gospel Reading for June 13, 2026 – Luke 2: 41-51
FIRST DISCIPLE
The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
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Yesterday, we celebrated the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today, we celebrate the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In today’s Gospel, we see how perfectly aligned Mary’s heart was with the Heart of Jesus. When Jesus answered her question, she did not press further or argue, as many mothers might do when they do not fully understand their child. Instead, she accepted his words and treasured them in her heart, trusting that they were part of God’s greater plan.
Mary was so attuned to God’s will that she was able to accept even Calvary and the death of her Son on the Cross. Otherwise, she might have protested loudly against those who condemned Jesus, or turned away from her mission as a mother when the suffering became unbearable. Instead, she remained faithful to the very end.
For us, Mary is the perfect model of Christian discipleship. She was totally obedient to God’s will, humble and pure of heart, compassionate and caring, and steadfast in faith even amid great suffering. She truly is Jesus’ FIRST DISCIPLE.
May we learn from her example and strive to align our hearts with the Heart of her Son.
Mary, our Immaculate Mother, pray for us!
