A LOOK AT MARY, OUR MOTHER

Memorial of Blessed Virgin Mary

On our TV screens, we often watch news reports from the Middle East with all its problems, especially wars and terrorism. What surprises us at times is seeing how women express their feelings, joy or sorrow, in seemingly exaggerated ways. They scream, throw their arms and hands in the air. I even saw once how women, mourning the death of a loved one, grabbed sand and threw it on their heads, faces and clothes.

In this context, I understand well the woman in today’s Gospel passage who is so excited that she suddenly interrupts Jesus’ teaching to praise the mother who was graced by giving birth to such a preacher. The woman, not knowing anything about the divine origin of Jesus, naturally focuses on Mary’s physical motherhood. Not that Jesus denies the blessedness of the woman in whose womb He grew for nine months but, as always, He wants to lead His audience to a deeper spiritual level. He wants Mary’s spiritual motherhood to be seen and praised.

Of all those who “hear the word of God and keep it,” Mary is surely the first and the best example. St. Luke tells us how Mary kept “all this in her heart.” She is the perfect disciple. That is why Mary is so honored by Anglicans, recently even by Lutherans, by Catholics and even more by Orthodox Christians. It pains me, therefore, when members of some Christian sects refuse to honor Mary, even accuse us of worshiping her and making her a goddess. Far from it!

It was an archangel who called Mary “full of grace” and “highly favored one.” Luke tells us that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit when she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women!” These words, found in the Bible, are inspired by the Holy Spirit. How can we deny her the honor the Holy Spirit gave her?

And when Manny Pacquiao, out of love for his mother, buys her expensive jewelry, how can we not honor the image of our heavenly mother with the most precious adornment possible?Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

Reflection Question:

How do I honor my heavenly Mother? Is Mary leading me closer to her Son?

Lord, thank You for giving us Your wonderful mother as our mother, too. She is, after Your gift of self in the Eucharist, the greatest gift You gave us. Help us to follow her example, listen to Your word, keep it, and become better disciples of Yours.

St. Martin Cid, pray for us.