Our readings remind us of the role of Mary in the life of not only Jesus, but also of the Church – the Body of Christ. We see Mary’s role in giving birth to the One Who would defeat evil by His dying on the cross, the platform from which He gave His mother to His disciple (and to all disciples) and also gave His disciple and all members of the Church to His mother. We also have a glimpse of Mary’s role with the early Church as she prays with them.
In the reading from Genesis, after the sin of Adam and Eve, GOD speaks of the tension that will exist between the offspring of the serpent (the [d]evil) and offspring of Eve.
The Gospel is the account of Jesus’ death on the cross from St. John’s Gospel. As Jesus looks down from the cross, He sees His Mother and His beloved disciple. He gives them to each other. This symbolizes Jesus giving His mother Mary to the Church and the Church to Mary.
With this festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, we are reminded of Mary’s role in bringing forth the Savior of the World and her position in the Church.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states:
“This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfilment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation …. Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix. (CCC 969)
The Virgin Mary’s role in the mystery of Christ is acknowledged and honored as being truly the Mother of God and of the redeemer.
Have a wonderful Week
