Our Sweet Mother

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As my mother grew older and her needs increased, my brothers and I took care of her with great love.  As we, her children, cared for her, I'm sure it brought her great comfort and joy in her final years.

Today around the world, Christians have reason to celebrate. This is a special day to honor Mary, Mother of the Church. (It always comes on Monday, the day after Pentecost.)

Of course, none of us worship idols. Neither do we worship Mary. We honor her.  As Christians, we simply accept her designated role as our Mother, whom Jesus gave us from the cross, using these words from the Gospel of John, Chapter 19:

"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother.'”

Representing each of us, the "beloved disciple" accepted Mary as his mother, and took her into his home to care for her. We were given to Mary, as her children, in this exchange as well.

When we love Jesus, it pleases Mary, and when we love Mary, Jesus must certainly be pleased as well, since he made her our responsibility, by his words on the cross.

It is not a coincidence that after celebrating the Holy Spirit of love on Pentecost yesterday--the Spirit that unites the Father and the Son, and us as well--that we are reminded on this day to love the Mother of Jesus, our Mother, by loving each other.

Yes, Mary is the Mother of the Church, the one who brought Jesus into the world, uniting us to him.  

Remember to thank God today for the family he has given us.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy


 

 
                                                                           

 

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