HOMILY FOR 23RD THURSDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B







HOMILY FOR 23RD THURSDAY IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: THE PRECIOUS PEARL OF MARY’S NAME

BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa

1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13 (Gal 4:4-7); Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14, 23-24; Luke 6:27-38 (1:39-47)

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary. This feast originated in the 16th century, during the tumultuous period of the Protestant Reformation, when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm the importance of Mary’s role in salvation history.

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The Reformers challenged many Catholic teachings, including the veneration of Mary. The Church responded by emphasizing her significance in the plan of salvation. The Church established this feast day to counter the Reformers’ rejection of Mary’s intercessory role and to reassert the centuries-old tradition of honoring her as the Mother of God.

Today’s feast is also closely associated with the Battle of Vienna in 1683. The Ottoman Empire’s forces faced defeat on September 12th, coinciding with the feast of the Holy Name of Mary. People believed that Mary’s intercession helped secure the victory. Pope Innocent XI decided to share this special day with the entire Church, making it a universal celebration still observed today.

Throughout her life, Mary embodied the meaning of her name, “bitter” or “wished-for child.” She experienced the bitterness of sin and sorrow, from the prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:35) to the crucifixion of her son (John 19:25–27). Yet she also brought forth the wished-for Messiah, Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the Most Holy Name of Mary, we affirm our belief in her unique role as the “Theotokos,” the Mother of Jesus Christ, and our dependence on her powerful intercession. May her name be our shield in times of struggle, our inspiration in times of doubt, and our guiding light on our journey towards God.

Let us conclude with the words of St. Alphonsus Liguori: “The name of Mary is a precious pearl, which we should always keep in our hearts and frequently invoke with love and confidence.” May Mary’s holy name be forever etched in our hearts and on our lips. Amen.

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