Mary, Mother of the Church

Today we remember Mary in her role as Mother of the Church.

 

Importantly for us to understand the Christian life, just yesterday the Church celebrated the great solemnity of Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit – and today we consider Mary. Mary whose “yes” to the Holy Spirit consented to the seed of the church taking life within her. “Let it be to me according to your word.” 

 

And God’s word is Good.

 

In the Gospel today we are brought to the foot of the cross. Jesus looks to his mother and says, “Woman, behold your son,” and then to the beloved disciple, “Behold your mother.” And the disciple took her into his home.

 

Likewise, in the reading from Acts, the disciples were, “devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus…”

 

The Church gathers with Mary, because we stand in awe of her “yes” to the Holy Spirit. We stand in awe of this new mode of being in the world, one that is totally dependant on God, who is with us through all of life’s ups and downs. And God gives us assurances along the way to help us to grow spiritually and to be filled with the love of God: The redemption of the Cross, the memorial of the Eucharist and the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

Let us invite Mary into our homes today as we consider our “yes” to the Holy Spirit.

Let us remember the gift of the Eucharist, especially in times of pandemic lockdown when we are unable to gather in person.

Let us give thanks to God for redeeming us through Christ.

Come Holy Spirit. I give you my 'yes' to come and take hold of me, grown in me, bear the fruit in my life you wish to see. I surrender to you.