Date: June 1, 2020 ()

Bible Text: |

Series:

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Welcome back! Finally, we’re home again. This place (church) is always a home for us, a home for our souls because here we are given by God a mother who is so loving and deeply concerned to us. Some of you may have advanced in age and grown weak like an old man or woman do, but in this place, no one grows older, each one remains a little child before the presence of Mary, who is always a mother to us.

Today our hearts rejoice as we come together again in this most awaited occasion of our Return to the Eucharist. We’re even filled with so much gladness because on this very first day after the celebration of the birth of the Church, the Solemnity of the Pentecost, we remember and honor Mary the Mother of our Lord Jesus, our Mother too. Pope Francis, some two years ago, instructed to include in the liturgical calendar the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.

At the foot of the cross, the beloved disciple stood before Jesus with Mary. We are wondering why the person beside Mary was not particularly named. Would that mean, He would represent the church, the community of disciples, to whom Jesus addressed: “This is your Mother.” The Motherhood of Mary did not cease when Her Son died. Jesus rather shared his beloved Mother to the church. We are the Lord’s beloved disciples and what better way to keep his beloved children safe than leaving them in the hands of His Mother.

Mary was present too with the disciples at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down upon them. According to the account in the Acts of the Apostles, she joined with the twelve apostles and several women in continuous prayer as they all prepared to receive the Holy Spirit. Mary prays with us. She is beside us whenever we are in rough times. She accompanies and intercedes our supplications to God.

Today’s first reading recalls some parts of the Story of Creation to illustrate to us Eve being the Mother of all those who live. We also know that Mary is the New Eve, the Mother of all those who live with the life of her Son. Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. The church was born of the Holy Spirit. In these two remarkable episodes of the Holy Spirit’s conceiving and giving birth, Mary was always there to assume the role of a perfect and compassionate Mother. Let us continue trusting in Mama Mary’s aide and intercession. Let us pray the rosary!