Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 87; John 19:25-34
Today we celebrate the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church (Mater Ecclesiae). Mary’s role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ. In the gospel we are presented with the scene at Calvary – the gift that Jesus gives from the Cross; giving his mother to John, and John to his mother.
The Gospel says; “When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27)
In John’s Gospel, the beloved disciple represents all disciples and the entire Christian community. Therefore, in entrusting Mary to John, Jesus symbolically entrusts Mary to the Church and the Church to Mary.
The title “Woman” recalls earlier biblical themes, especially Genesis 3:15 and the wedding feast at Cana (John 2:1–11), where Mary appears as the New Eve cooperating in God’s plan of salvation. Just as Eve became “the mother of all the living” in the natural order, Mary becomes mother of all believers in the order of grace.
The statement, “from that hour the disciple took her into his home,” signifies more than physical hospitality; it reflects the acceptance of Mary into the heart and life of the Christian body.
As the mother of Christ, the Head of the Church, she also becomes mother of Christ’s Body, the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Mary is called “Mother of the Church” because she was present when the Church of her Divine Son was birthed by the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1-4). The Holy Father made a great choice by placing the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church immediately after Pentecost.
Therefore, the Church honours Mary as Mother not because she replaces Christ, but because her motherhood continually leads believers closer to Him, offering intercession, and faithful discipleship.
LET US PRAY
O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother, to be our Mother also, grant, we pray, that with her loving help your Church may be more fruitful day by day and, exulting in the holiness of her children, may draw to her embrace all the families of the peoples. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
