Today, the day after Pentecost, the Church celebrates the feast of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. This is a brand new memorial, instituted by Pope Francis in 2018.
Today's Gospel reading from John 19 shows us the genesis of this feast. "Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his home."
The Church has always recognized the significance of this event as more than just Jesus being concerned about the living arrangements of His mother. At that moment, John represented the Church and Mary was received as Her mother. As Jesus loved and cared for His mother, so should we, the Body of Christ, love and care for our mother.
Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. Amen.
Want to learn more about what the Church teaches about Mary? Download Gus Lloyd's one hour teaching on Marian Beliefs from www.GusLloyd.com.
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