Word to the Wise
Monday, May 29, 2023 -
[Gen 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14 and John 19:25-34]All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. [Acts] Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. [John]
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH
The title "Mother of the Church" for the Blessed Virgin Mary was proclaimed by Pope Paul VI at the end of the Second Vatican Council but a special liturgical memorial for this title was added to the universal calendar by Pope Francis. It is celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost. The scriptural foundation for this is found in Mary's presence at the Pentecost event, as shown in the scripture from the Acts of the Apostles, and in her presence at the foot of the cross. The latter refers to the Johannine suggestion that the church was born in the water and blood that flowed from the side of Jesus after being pierced by the Roman soldier.
The emphasis is on Mary's maternal care for all disciples from the beginning of the church to the present day. The church is the Body of Christ and we are, by baptism, part of that body. Mary's identity as mother of Jesus by extension makes her to be "mother of the church." The idea dates back to the 4th century in the teaching of St. Ambrose, one of the great "Church Fathers," who converted St. Augustine. My own hope is that Mary, as mother, can deal with all the fractious squabbling of her spiritual children! AMEN