By Clara Meier

“You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.  By your perseverance you will secure your lives” ~ Luke 21:17-19

The Feast of the Miraculous Medal

This Scripture shares some powerful words from Jesus. He often uses the word “love,” encouraging us to love one another, take care of each other, and walk with one another. In this gospel, He is preparing His disciples for what is to come when they announce their belief in Him as they go out on their evangelization journey.  Today, we are living in that time, proclaiming our love for Christ and what He taught 2000 years ago and continues to teach through us today.  And He uses the very strong word “hate.”

Those who “hate” spend a lot of energy doing so, and being the target of hate can also become a very draining experience.   Looking back through history, we can think of groups that have been very hated. Those groups include people persecuted for their religious beliefs, national origin, race, or some other identifiable mark.  Some people are also targeted all alone, with no other to accompany them through the hardship. No other that is, except for Jesus and our Blessed Mother.

Reminder of our mission on earth

Today is the feast day of the Miraculous Medal.  On this day in 1830, Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure in a vision. Though Mary revealed that graces would be received by those who sought them, there would also be hardships to endure during this life on earth. In her vision, she is repeating today’s gospel message from Jesus. After receiving her vision, Catherine was given instructions to have the images she saw made into a medal.  We know this medal today as The Miraculous Medal.

The images on one side of the medal are the heart of Jesus, surrounded by the crown of thorns, and Mary’s own heart, pierced by a sword. The cross, representing Jesus’ own cruel death, is above the hearts. The Miraculous Medal reminds us of the hardships we must endure. The hope of a Christian is on the front of the medal, where our Mother Mary stands with arms outstretched.  Her outstretched arms symbolize the receiving of graces for those who believe and seek.  And we will certainly seek grace to be followers and give the word of the Lord to all we encounter.

As Catherine received the vision of the medal, she heard these words:  “God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will be contradicted, but do not fear; you will have the grace to do what is necessary.”  Those words strongly mirror today’s scripture quote.

The Miraculous Medal I wear is encased in a locket, and it is with great pleasure that I have listened to my grandchildren reach up to open the locket and say, “Mary.”  And then they smile.  I am hopeful that they will always know Mary is ready to walk with them during their journey of life.

Today, and every day, remember these words as we go through the difficulties in life, whether it be hate received from others, pain, hunger, difficult decisions, or many others.  God will give us the grace to do what is necessary.

Prayer:

Mary, please accompany me through the hardships presented to me in this lifetime, allowing graces to flow forth as the hardships pass.

Call to Action:

Many people wear a Miraculous Medal constantly as a reminder of Mary’s presence in our lives and to ask her to give us the grace and strength to endure the hardships on our path.   What do you wear as a reminder to call on our Lord and our Blessed Mother as we go through life?

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