Humble heart renewed

The Humble Heart of Christ: School of MaryThe Lord Jesus, referring to Himself, said: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Thus, Jesus confirms that, according to biblical tradition, the “heart” indicates the center of a person, the seat of their feelings and intentions.The Epistle to the Hebrews states: “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). In this way, it speaks of a core, the heart, that hides behind all appearances, even superficial thoughts. The heart is also the place of sincerity, where one cannot deceive or disguise oneself. It reveals true intentions, what one thinks, what one believes, and what one truly desires (cf. Francis, Encyclical *Dilexit Nos*, October 24, 2024).To save man, victim of his own disobedience, God willed to offer him a “new heart,” faithful to His will of love (cf. Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26; Psalm 50:12). This heart is the Heart of Christ, the masterpiece of the Holy Spirit, which began to beat in the virginal womb of Mary and was pierced by a lance on the cross, becoming, thus and for all, an inexhaustible source of eternal life (cf. John Paul II, *Angelus*, June 23, 2002).In the image of the Heart of Christ the Redeemer, we adore God’s love for humanity, His will for universal salvation, and His infinite mercy. As we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we gaze into the Heart of Jesus that, in death, was opened by the soldier’s lance. His Heart is open to us and before our eyes. In this way, the Heart of God is open (cf. Benedict XVI, Homily on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 11, 2010).

Mary, Model of the Humble Heart Configured by Christ

The Heart of Christ, which began to beat in the virginal womb of Mary, configured the heart of His Mother, making it like His own, in gentleness and humility. The humble heart of Mary is a mirror of the Son’s humility, for everything in Mary depends on Christ and is at His service. As we look upon the heart of the Mother, we must begin with gazing upon the Heart of the Son, from which she receives light and configuration. With Mary and guided by Her, we draw near to Christ to learn His gentle and humble Heart.The Mother of Jesus, as taught by Saint Augustine, “before conceiving the Lord in her body, she had already conceived Him in her heart.” She is, with her body and soul and forever, the dwelling place of the Lord. Thus, as the dwelling place of God on earth, Mary is the teacher of all hearts that, through faith, desire Jesus to dwell within them.The relationship between the Heart of Christ and the heart of Mary is contemplated in the Encyclical *Haurietis Aquas* of Pius XII, where devotion to the Sacred Heart is deepened in light of Mary’s mission.Profundize seus estudos: explore Mariologia, Teologia Mariana, Aparições Marianas e a Pós-Graduação em Mariologia.The Locus Mariologicus Institute offers Postgraduate Studies in Mariology, articles, and academic resources on Mariology, Marian Apparitions, and Marian Theology. To deepen the Marian spirituality of humility and devotion, consult the Apostolic Exhortation *Marialis Cultus* by Pope Paul VI.