Today’s is the memorial of Mary, the Mother of the Church. This title and/or understanding of Mary is based on today’s Gospel. At the foot of the cross Jesus sees his mother and the Beloved Disciple. This leads to the following exchange:
Jesus to his mother: “Woman, behold, your son.”
Jesus to the disciple: “Behold, your mother.”
The church has interpreted this passage both literally and symbolically. On the literal level Jesus entrusts the care of his mother to this disciple. Symbolically Mary represents the church and is given the role of mother of all Christians represented by the beloved disciple.
Mary shows us the true meaning of discipleship. It means putting God’s will before all. Mary’s humility and faith comes out clearly in the Annunciation scene in Luke’s Gospel.
Angel: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. (Luke 1:30-32).
Mary: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).
Mary, the Mother of the church, shows us the meaning of true discipleship. It means responding to God’s word and call. Mary declares that she is the handmaid or servant/slave of the Lord. Paul also describes himself as a servant of the Lord: “Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.” (Romans 1:1). While Mary was called and set apart to be the mother of God Paul was called and set apart to preach the Gospel. Today’s Opening Prayer or Collect recognizes that Mary, the mother of Jesus is also our mother:
“O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother, to be our Mother also, grant, we pray, that with her loving help your Church may be more fruitful day by day and, exulting in the holiness of her children, may draw to her embrace all the families of the peoples.”
Image: “The Crucifixion of Jesus” by Travis S. is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.