Breaking the Word

Mary, Mother of the Church, Monday – 06^th June 2022 — Gospel: Jn 19,25-27

Through Mary to Jesus

Pope Paul VI declared Mary as Mother of the Church on November 21, 1964. On 3^rd March 2018 Pope Francis approved and announced the new celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Church, to be celebrated every year on the Monday after Pentecost. Through Scripture and tradition, we see clearly how Mary has been “Mother of the Church” as she remains an excellent role model of a loving mother, a devoted woman of faith, a disciple of Jesus, and a servant to others. It seems appropriate that this celebration of Mary, the Mother of the Church, which is the body of Christ, is celebrated on the day after Pentecost, the “Birthday of the Church.” In Scripture and tradition, Mary has been seen as the person of whom the early church looked in proclaiming the good news of Jesus after His ascension into heaven.

No one was closer to Jesus than Mary, his mother. She carried him in her womb, loved and taught him as a child. She was his first disciple. Along with John and Mary Magdalene, she remained close to Jesus till the end. At the cross, Jesus gave His mother to His disciple (and to all disciples) and also gave His disciple and all members of the church to His mother. Thus, she became our mother, and wants to be with us through our joys and sufferings.  In heaven, Mary is still close to Jesus. When we pray to her, she brings him our needs. If we want to grow close to Jesus, we draw close to Mary. St.Louis de Montfort wrote, “Mary is the quickest, shortest, and easiest path to Jesus.” May we continue to look to Mary, the Mother of the Church, and follow her example of being a disciple of her Son.

7^th week in Easter Time, Saturday – 04^th June 2022 — Gospel: Jn 21,20-25

Be Content of your Calling

The final words of the gospel spotlight the anonymous beloved disciple. Having just focused on the ministry and martyrdom of Peter, the gospel turns to the witness and destiny of the disciple Jesus loved. Unlike Peter who compares, Jesus does not see the need to compare the roles of these two disciples in the emerging church. Peter holds the place of leadership and primacy in the Church; the beloved disciple holds a special place as founder of the community to which this gospel was written. Peter is called to a life of pastoral ministry, followed by martyrdom; the beloved disciple is called to live a long life of faithful witness. Both forms of discipleship are equally valid and important for the Church. Essentially, Jesus is telling all disciples to be content with their own calling and to leave that of others to him. In other words, the future of each disciple is determined only by the will of Jesus and is not a matter of concern or rivalry among the other disciples.