Mary: Heaven’s Open Door for All – Nov 20 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 20, 2024, where he reflects on a vision from Revelation 4:1 where John sees "an open door to heaven," which symbolizes the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is venerated as the "Gate of Heaven." Today’s votive Mass celebrates this title of Our Lady. Father explained that this "open door" is intentional, representing God’s desire for us to have a loving mother who guides us to eternal life.

Father emphasized devotion to Mary as essential for spiritual growth, likening her to a mother aiding life’s development and perfection. He highlighted how Mary intercedes for sinners, helping them turn back to God, and releases souls from purgatory, especially those devoted to her. Father cited St. Maximilian Kolbe, who taught that total consecration to Mary facilitates a direct path to heaven. He encouraged surrender to Mary as a child to a mother, opening the "door to heaven."

Father concluded by urging prayers through Mary for sinners, souls in purgatory, and ourselves to deepen our Marian devotion for a sanctified life leading to eternal glory.

Catechism Links
CCC 2675 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2675.htm - Devotion to Mary as Mother of God.
CCC 1030 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1030.htm - Purgatory and its purification.
CCC 491 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/491.htm - The Immaculate Conception and Mary’s role in salvation.

00:00 – Introduction and Opening Prayer
00:10 – Our Lady as the Gate of Heaven
00:58 – Devotion and Salvation Through Our Lady
01:31 – Freeing Souls and Perfect Consecration
02:39 – Prayers for Souls and Heaven’s Grace

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday in the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/112024.cfm
1st: rev 4:1-11
Resp: psa 150:1-6
Gsp: luk 19:11-28

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=999

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