On this memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, I reflect on Mother Mary’s as the first follower of Jesus, her son.
Today’s Gospel takes us to the foot of the cross. Most of Jesus’ supporters have taken off, either scared or disillusioned, or both. Their vision of a new king, and how he would change Israel and the world of the Jews, was dying on the cross. Dying in the worst possible way. Very few people that day realized that his death was just the beginning. We take special note that His Mother Mary, and several other Marys are there to the end.
Mary
Mary of Magdala, Mary wife of Clopas, and Mary Mother of Jesus are there. We knew Jesus’ mother would be there to offer comfort. Let’s focus on her for this reflection, as today is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Church.
Action
As I see it, the Blessed Virgin Mary was the first Catholic, and clearly the first follower of Jesus. No wonder we honor her in many ways, including remembering her in today’s readings. She actively accepted her role as Mother of Jesus, so she is the Mother of God, and the Mother of our Church. She pressed Jesus to do his first public miracle, with the conversion of water into excellent wine in Cana. And as stated earlier, she was present at the last event in Jesus’ “human” ministry, as his earthly body died on the cross. She witnessed his return as the resurrected Jesus, as well. She was clearly a woman of action in his life, and in his ministry and his Church.
Because she is a woman of action, she even helps here on Earth after her Ascension, which we celebrate on August 15th each year. She appeared in Mexico City, Fatima, Lourdes, Knock, Quito, La Vang, and many other places. There could be even more, as not all of her apparitions are officially sanctioned by the Church. Miraculous events occur wherever she visits. And she is always dressed well!
Today
Today, take time to ponder Virgin Mary’s actions. With her body of work, which is so vast and glorious and powerful, it’s important to keep her in our thoughts. Today, let’s remember her and use her actions as examples of how we live out our Faith, in our own little ways each day. Perhaps we are like the other Marys, showing comfort and compassion and faith when others doubted, and doing so in a way that was less spectacular and glorious. That’s okay, too.
