MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH

 

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH

We celebrate today the birthday of Mary. The Scriptural basis for considering Mary as Mother of the Church rests largely upon the text in John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks to His mother and the Apostle John as He hangs on the cross (John 19:26-27). The Fathers of the Church develop the image of Mary as Mother of the Church and honor her under this title to the point that, as early as the fourth century, there were churches dedicated to this devotion and title.

One of the four major basilicas in Rome is such an example—the Church of Mary Major. Perhaps the title “Mother of the Church” also stems from combining Mary’s role as the Mother of Jesus and the image of the Church as the Body of Christ, and reaching the understanding that Mary is not simply the mother of Jesus but the mother of us all. With this understanding, we believe that Mary has a motherly concern for the Church and so we should ask for her intercession for the needs of the Church.

Mary is not a passive player in the life of the Church. She constantly intercedes for our needs, particularly regarding evangelization, as she wants all men and women to come into a saving relationship of faith with her Son, Jesus. It is important to recognize that Mary will never promote herself or even draw any attention to herself. She simply sees herself as a means through whom we can encounter Jesus—a very privileged means, no doubt, but a means nonetheless. She cannot save us—only Jesus saves! Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

---------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

How is your relationship with Mary? Do you seek to develop a devotion to her as your Mother in the faith?

Jesus, help me to get to know Your Mother better. Help me to value the care and compassion she wishes to impart in my life. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ____________________________