Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of
the Church
(Acts 1:12-14; John 19:25-34)
In the perspective of Luke Mary, the mother of the Lord, was among the
original recipients of the Holy Spirit.
When the Spirit came on Pentecost, Mary was there with the other
disciples to receive him. The scene has a parallel in John’s gospel which adds
credence to its historical basis.
At the foot of Jesus’ cross in John’s gospel, Mary stands with the Beloved
Disciple. They will form the nucleus of
his Church. After giving them to one
another, Jesus sips wine from a sponge and hands over his spirit. The spirit is not different from the one who
rests on all his disciples at Pentecost.
It creates unity and love in those whom it touches.
We too have been given the Holy Spirit.
It comes in Baptism and will remain unless we cause it to go through
sin. We should nourish the Spirit
through frequent reception of Communion.
We should also follow its prompting to love all whom we meet.
