RBWords

     At the end of the Second Vatican Council, relying on a tradition dating from St. Ambrose in the 4th century, Pope Paul VI accorded the title "Mother of the Church" to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Pope Francis decided to give this title a place in the liturgical calendar and set it for the Monday after Pentecost, since Pentecost is known traditionally as the birthday of the Church.  The principal idea is the maternal care that Mary shows for all disciples of Jesus.  The Church has often been referred to as "Holy Mother Church," and the maternal care of Mary has been celebrated for centuries, so the title "Mother of the Church" is not a real surprise. The addition of this to the calendar might be, however, for those who haven't noticed it!

     The scriptures chosen for the day do emphasize Mary's maternity, just as the January 1st celebration of Mary, the Mother of God does.  Genesis speaks of Eve as the "mother of all the living," and Mary has been celebrated as "the new Eve" in Catholic tradition.  The Acts of the Apostles places her with the disciples on the occasion of Pentecost.  The Gospel According to John places her at the foot of the cross.  All of these images remind us of the important role Mary has in our Church, but especially as someone who cares for all of us.  She becomes the ultimate "Mom!"  AMEN