BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH (MEMORIAL)

From that hour the disciple took her into his home. 

Even in the last hours of his crucifixion, Jesus was thinking of his mother. He didn’t want her to be left alone after his death, nor did he want her to wonder what would happen to her after he was gone. So as Mary stood at the foot of his cross, he entrusted her to his disciple’s care. And “from that hour,” John took her into his home (John 19:27).

In caring so conscientiously for his mother, Jesus was, in a real sense, also caring for us. For just as he gave his beloved mother to John, he also gave her to each one of us. He knew that we would need a mother. We would need a mother’s special compassion, mercy, wisdom, and tenderness, someone who would intercede and advocate for her children. This was the gift Jesus gave to us, one that we cherish on this special feast of Mary, Mother of the Church.

But perhaps Jesus also entrusted Mary to John’s care because he wanted her to be integrally involved in what would happen next: his glorious resurrection, the waiting and praying in the upper room, and the coming of the Spirit on Pentecost. He could have carefully placed her away somewhere hidden and safe, but this would have put her far from all the action. As Mother of the Church, her role was to be right in the midst of all that was to come! She would take it all in, immersing herself in the breath of the Spirit. Imagine how exciting that was for her, this woman who had already lived her life deeply filled with the Holy Spirit!

Mary’s role today is still to be right in the midst of all that is happening in our lives and all that is to come. So with freedom and confidence, turn to her in your need. You can count on Mary’s devotion and heart of mercy. On this feast of Our Lady, turn to her and entrust her with the intentions you hold most dear. Ask her to intercede for you, as she always does, with her tender mother’s heart.

“Mary, Mother of God, pray for me.”

Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7
John 19:25-34