Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
(Genesis 3:9-15.20; John 19:25-34)
Today’s readings present two paths for life’s journey. Like in Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not
Taken,” the journeyer must choose one of them to follow. The first is set by Eve. She is enticed by the serpent’s promise that
eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil will bring handsome
benefits. The second path is blazed by
Mary, the mother of Jesus. She stays
close to her son not only to support him but also to receive his guidance.
Eve’s path is superficially fair and well-trodden. However, it led to her downfall and, as “mother
of all the living,” to our propensity toward evil. Taking it, we would be ruined. Mary’s path has had fewer takers and, consequently,
is less worn. Still, it is fairer
because it brings us righteousness leading to eternal life.
Mary, as Mother of the Church, now gives us guidance and
support. She has shown us how to follow her
son and prays that we might do so.
