Today is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. What does it mean for Mary to be Mother of the Church? For the Apostles and us today?
After the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, Mary remained with the Apostles praying fervently beseeching Him to pour out the fullness of His gifts on the first followers of Jesus, as well as on all future believers. She prays for Him to be their light, their counselor, their guide, and their comforter for all the ages. For the Apostles, Mary was a sacred treasure; she was the beloved mother of the divine Master.
Mary, Mother of the Church, stands at every baptismal font pondering the destiny of each beloved child of God. In every sacrament, it is Mary’s Divine Counselor and Friend who makes mere flesh and blood holy, God-like.
We encounter the Risen Lord Jesus in every sacrament, either consciously or unconsciously. The Spirit helps one to accept the cross daily. The prayerful decision to love God and neighbor activates these gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts enable us to become like Christ.
Mary’s prayer and the Holy Spirit’s power can bring timely help to us in the gifts of courage, prudence, justice and temperance - virtues needed in our daily lives as we cope with pandemics and injustice for some of our brothers and sisters.
It is exactly on Pentecost Day that Mary begins to exercise on earth the spiritual motherhood to which Jesus raised her at the foot of the cross.
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For additional reading: Today's Gospel
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
