Blessed are the Pure of Heart

“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”

Purity of Heart uniquely relates to the Third Sorrow of Mary, because Mary sought out Jesus, she looked for him, she pursued him. She didn’t put off looking for Jesus until she had her affairs in order. She went right away. She searched high and low. She left no stone unturned. 

This is the attitude we should have in pursuing holiness, or when we consider our personal faith formation. This Beatitude, (“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God,”) is sometimes translated, “Blessed are the single-hearted.”  Mary was of one mind. She was totally focused. She was completely devoted to finding Jesus. 

Pope Pius VII connected this Sorrow to the gift of knowledge. Pope John Paul II wrote a prayer for the gifts of the Spirit, and of knowledge, he wrote, “I ask for the gift of knowledge that I may look for counsel in you, and that I may find it in you.” In this prayer we read that knowledge consists of looking for God.  This is what Mary did in the Third Sorrow. 

When we are not pure of heart, our intentions are masked. We may pretend to be interested in one thing, when we are really interested in something else. Anyone who has ever been used knows what this is like. It seemed as if someone was interested in us, but they were really interested in using us to get what they wanted. This is the opposite of being single-hearted. 

If we were to consider the opposite of this Beatitude, we would be terrified. Because if the pure of heart shall see God, then the impure will not. And what could be a greater sadness than never being able to see God? For that is truly our hearts’ deepest longing. 

Mary, help us to follow your example in diligently searching for God, that we may see him and have eternal peace. 

“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”

If you are reading this, then you want to grow closer to Jesus through Mary. My goal is to provide you and others with resources that help you experience the promises of the Seven Sorrows. Others have experienced these blessings. If you have not made a resolution to pray this Devotion every day, I urge you to make a commitment today!