May 29   Mary, Mother of the Church.    There was a young teenage group of altar servers who used to meet on a Sunday evening with the parish deacon, Benedict.  He told them, “The Church has traditionally dedicated this month of May to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  That is why we have Mother’s Day this month too. There was a time when I was growing up that almost every family had a great devotion to Mary.  Many would say the Rosary every night and I must admit that most of us kids didn’t appreciate having to kneel next to our bed for that, although we did like to see her as our other mother who cares for us.  Isn’t that how much of society has developed. We tend not to put our whole heart into things.”  And he sighed quietly. “Except for sport, old man!” a voice piped up. “Ja, I suppose you’re right that sport has become the new religion. And while sport-madness is so often overdone, there are positives too.”  “I love it when my mom comes to watch my matches. And always makes sure that I have clean gear to wear.”   Abigail voiced her interest, while fingering her Immaculate heart of Mary medal. “My gran introduced me to the Rosary and to have a really special friendship with Mary, just talking to her about my life.  I know she has stood by many people over the years, and hope and pray that she will be my friend forever.”   

Reflect, share, act. Scripture.  The Lord said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel”  The man called his wife’s name Eve because she was the mother of all living. Genesis 3:9-15, 20.  Behold your Son. Behold your mother. John 19:25-34

Pope Francis:  Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world.  Just as her pierced heart mourned the death of Jesus, so now she grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor and for the creatures of this world laid waste by human power.  In her glorified body together with the Risen Christ, part of creation has reached the fullness of its beauty. She now understands the meaning of all things and we can ask her to enable us to look at this world with eyes of wisdom. LS241. Pray. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.