On this feast of Mary, the Mother of the Church, may the words of Jesus to John inspire us to look to Mary’s example of discipleship and love as Christ invites each of us to “behold, your mother.”
As the shepherds describe what had been revealed to them by the angel, Mary kept all these things and reflected on them in her heart. May her example lead us into our own reflections on her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, as we put our faith into practice.
This is a copy of the Pieta by Michelangelo in the Vatican Museum. (My photo)
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Mary inspires us to follow her example as we reflect on all that has happened in the last year and study these insights in the light of our faith in Christ as we embark on the New Year. Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us!
This feast day, which always falls on the Monday after Pentecost, recalls the crucial role that Mary plays in salvation history as both Mother of God and Mother of the Church.
As we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, we acknowledge that she is also our Mother. Given to us by Christ, we claim this relationship every time we affirm our faith in her Son.
She is the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary strengthen our desire to offer our hearts in loving service to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel reveals her role in God’s plan for our salvation. Chosen by the Lord, she offers us an example of faithfulness that inspires us every day to say yes to God’s call for our lives.
Since from the beginning of time the plan of salvation included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, we thus understand that Mary’s role as the Mother of God was present as well. Chosen by God, her acceptance of the angel Gabriel’s announcement reveals her as the first disciple; her role as Mother of the Messiah reveals her as a Mother to all disciples. May her example inspire us to draw near to her Son!
Our knowledge of Mary flows from our knowledge of her Son, and her example teaches us how to be living witnesses in the face of adversity as we continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.