Mary

Behold Your Mother

As Mother’s Day approaches, we are reminded of the ways that we are called to honor our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and other women who have made a difference in our lives by showing us love and care. We celebrate by bringing them flowers and writing nice cards. For our loved ones who are deceased, we will think of them fondly, saying a prayer and reminiscing on the wonderful memories that were shared. Yes, this is a beautiful day to honor those dear to us, but let us remember the woman who is blessed above all women, who is our eternal mother, Mary. The Blessed Virgin Mary is our mother, the one who gives us a supreme example of love and trust in the Lord and the one to whom we implore prayers to intercede on our behalf.

Just as a loving mother desires the best for her children, the Blessed Mary desires all that is good for the whole human race, which ultimately is eternal union with her Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that Mary was conceived without sin and was completely sinless her whole life. She only did good on earth and only does good in heaven, which means she desires to lead us closer to her Son! We ask our Blessed Mother to pray and intercede on our behalf because we believe that her prayers are powerful. When we are going through a difficult time, what do we usually do? We ask people to pray for us, especially faith-filled people. Therefore, wouldn’t it make sense for us to approach the Mother of God, she who is without sin and so very close to our Lord, with all our petitions? We should approach her throne as so many young children approach their earthly mothers, with great love and trust in her care.

On this Mother’s Day, we can also think of ways that we can offer small gifts to honor our Blessed Mother. I remember on one occasion, my younger brother decided to give a gift to my mother. He went to the dollar store and was extremely proud because he personally selected the gift. Much to our surprise, my mother opened the gift and unwrapped a bottle of dish soap. My brother said excitedly, “Mom, I knew that you would like it because you use it so much!” In spite of the humor, I knew that my mom appreciated this gift because it came from his heart. We are also given the opportunity to give small gifts from our hearts to honor our mother, Mary. Whether it is a kind deed for someone else, praying a decade of the Rosary, or singing a song to honor her, we can give her small gifts to show her our love and devotion.

Many Catholic churches and communities also have special celebrations to honor Mary during the month of May. Because our Blessed Mother holds such a venerated place in the Church and in our hearts, we may celebrate with a May Crowning ceremony or a community Rosary. Whatever the celebration may be, the focus should be to honor Mary, our Mother, who will ultimately lead us to her Son. We pray that we may be able to imitate her life of faithfulness and trust in the Lord so that at every moment of each day we may be given the grace to gently say, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

May 7, 2013 | Reflections

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