Mary, The Holy Mother of God
Dear Parishioner,
Shrines that mark places where we remember an apparition of the Blessed Virgin abound throughout the world. We think of Knock in Ireland, Fatima in Portugal and Lourdes in France. We also remember the shrine in Mexico that commemorates the Appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
As someone once pointed out, Mary is everywhere. Each country seems to have an image of Mary that is special to that nation. Again, we can think about the Black Madonna in Poland and Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil. Why is Mary so revered we might ask?
Pope Francis has a favorite image called, “Our Lady Undoer of Knots.” He discovered this piece of art when he was studying in Germany. John Melchior’s painting pictures Mary untying a ribbon full of knots. An angel is on each side of her. One angel hands her the ribbon. The other pulls the ribbon through her hands. The implication is clear. Quite often our lives seem like they are full of difficulties. Trying to solve our own problems is like attempting to untie the most difficult of knots. With Mary’s intervention things become so much easier.
As we begin the new year, how many problems we face! Our world is war torn. Our country is divided. The recent terrorist attacks on innocent people dispel the illusion that we can be completely safe. The war in Syria rages on. Civilians seek asylum. How much help we need!
The Feast of the Solemnity of Mary reminds us that we have a sympathetic intercessor. We are reminded that Mary has been a help to people throughout the world in times of trial. In times of war, in times of plague and in times of natural disaster believers have drawn comfort from Mary. In the upcoming year, we would do well to invoke the name of Mary as we pray asking for her help. With the Blessed Virgin’s assistance and our efforts as good citizens of the world we commit ourselves to making 2017 a year when we see tolerance, love and peace grow.
Somehow it seems like the Blessed Mother has faith in us. We are her children. Let us trust in her to assist us as our mother in our time of need.
Merry Christmas,
Fr. Mark