Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
(Acts 1:12-14; John 19:25-34)
Pope Francis introduced today’s celebration just three years
ago. Obviously, he wanted to emphasize
the association of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with the church Jesus
founded. Both Scripture readings attest
to this.
The first reading pictures the eleven apostles of Jesus remaining
after Jesus’ Ascension along with his mother. It implies that Mary was present when
the Spirit descended upon the disciples to set the Church in motion. The gospel shows Mary at the foot of the
cross with the beloved disciple and other women. Jesus then hands over his Holy Spirit to his
faithful followers – a mini-Pentecost.
The Holy Father insists on the key role of Mary in the
Church. She does not merely give Christ
a human nature. Even more significantly,
Mary’s presence at the death of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit indicates
her role in the project he initiated. She
epitomizes the caring outreach of the Church and assures the central place of
women in its makeup.
