When I was a child, Sunday had a happy specialness, Mass, a big breakfast, and visits with cousins, aunts, and uncles. I always felt at home with them. My dad worked every Saturday, so Sunday was a cherished day off, a time to rest and re-create. It helped us see the coming week with a new vision, a renewed energy, and recover from the previous week. Each Sunday had an Easter dimension within!
I remember, occasionally, we would go to a different parish for Mass. One church was dedicated to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted. As a child, I found this title to be somewhat solemn. As a grandparent, I consider it a beautiful and joyful reminder of Our Lady’s care and compassion for all human families.
The "Mother of Jesus” is also an extraordinary title. In the Gospel traditions, she is present from His conception (Luke 1:31), finding Him in the temple (Luke 2:48), at Cana when He turns water into wine (John 2:1), at the cross (John 19:25), and with the community of believers after the Resurrection (Acts 1:14).
With the words of Jesus, His Mother became our Mother at the foot of the cross. We identify with the beloved disciple, “… And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:27)
Parents and guardians, in a way, are always present to their children; they wait and worry, celebrate and enjoy, guide and comfort. When we need comforting, it is good to have someone available who knows us, loves us, and listens to us. To seek this person when we need them is wise and courageous. Life contains some affliction from time to time. We can respond with faith, hope, and love – with the help and in the company of family.
Sunday times happen when we welcome God’s Holy Spirit to set the pace and give the gifts. We are renewed. We can be who we are – the Lord re-creates us and gives rest to our spirit. We are the disciples whom Jesus loves, and with His Mother, we are at home.
During Eastertime, let us pray in thanksgiving for all the Sunday time in our families. In this month of May, let us pray to Our Lady that we may continue to serve our families and the world with care and compassion.