Honoring Mary, as Mother of the Church
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church (May 24, 2021): GN 3:9-15,20; PS 87:1-2,3,5,6-7; JN 19:25-34
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
We have many reasons to venerate Mary, our Mother and Queen. However, with the title of Mother of the Church we recognize her as the ideal model of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.
In the first reading at today’s Mass, we are told about Adam and Eve rejected God’s will and allowed their own selfish desires and Satan’s evil temptations to destroy the glorious future that God has planned for them and all people. But, although they did not embrace the happy and holy lives God wanted for them, He did not simply reject them either. Almighty God laid a plan for our salvation though the sacrifice of His Son. Jesus Christ, the Son of God would come into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit and the free consent of the Blessed Virgin Mary – the New Eve. Jesus came among us to conquer sin and death and to establish His Church to direct us on the path to His Kingdom. Today, on the day after Pentecost when we honor the institution of the Church, we celebrate Mary as the Mother of the Church.
We have many reasons to venerate Mary, our Mother and Queen. However, with the title of Mother of the Church we recognize her as the ideal model of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. From her own Immaculate Conception and her acceptance of the Incarnation of Christ within her womb, throughout her whole life guiding, tending, and loving her Son, the Savior of the world, she points us all toward Him. “Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! And of Zion they shall say: ‘One and all were born in her; And He who has established her is the Most High Lord” (Psalm 87:3, 5). Mary cares for us as she did Jesus and shows us – the faithful – how to follow Him each day God entrusts to us. Along with the disciples gathered at the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we, too, share with Mary the blessing of being part of His Church, His Body. Let us thank God for this generous gift to His people.
Suggested missionary action: To honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, let us offer a World Mission Rosary today. We can ask her to protect all who share the Good News of Christ throughout our neighborhoods and in every nation of the world.
