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 Bible 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)
This has been interpreted down through the years as John representing us, the Church, as the Body of Christ. Thus, Mary is referred to as our mother, we turn to her for solace, direction, and support just as we would the person who gave birth to us.
Lastly, Mary is called “Mother of the Church” because she was was present when the Church of her Divine Son was birthed by the Spirit. The Holy Father made a great choice by connecting the feast of Mary with Pentecost.
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
