Word to the Wise
Monday, May 24, 2021 -
[Genesis 3:9-15, 20 or Acts of the Apostles 1:12-14 and John 19:25-34]Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." [John]
MONDAY after Pentecost THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH
Devotion to Mary is a hallmark of Catholic faith. There are many official liturgical events devoted to her on the general liturgical calendar and hundreds of local, regional or national calendars. Most of us are familiar with the big ones which are holy days of obligation in the USA: August 15, the Assumption and December 8, the Immaculate Conception and January 1st, the Mother of God. After those, there are "lesser" ones that commemorate events we celebrate in the mysteries of the rosary or particular apparitions such as Lourdes and Fatima.
At the end of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI dedicated the whole church to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin. Pope Francis decided that this title, Mother of the Church, should be celebrated formally by the entire church to call attention at the time of Pentecost to the additional care we receive from God through Mary's prayers and care. So, the Monday after Pentecost is dedicated to the feast of "The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church."
The scripture from Genesis which refers to Eve as "mother of all the living," was interpreted by early church fathers as foretelling Mary as the "new Eve" who became mother of the Savior and mother of his Body the Church. At the foot of the cross, Mary becomes the mother of the Beloved Disciple, who represents us all. Mary is not in competition with the Holy Spirit! She is part of the communion of saints who help us as "agents" of God's presence. We need all the help we can get! AMEN