Homily Feast of Mary Mother of the Church (2020) “We are Beloved”

Feast of Mary Mother of the Church (2020) “We are Beloved”

The feast we celebrate today is connected to the Feast of Pentecost. According to tradition, the Blessed Mother was there in the upper room when the Holy Spirit settled upon the Apostles. 

Mary is often called an exemplary disciple.  She is also an exemplary apostle.  When we think about apostles, we usually think of people who were with Jesus during his earthly ministry. We also think of persons who had a direct experience of the risen Lord.

The Blessed Virgin Mary was with Jesus from the beginning to the end of his earthly life. She was there at the first moment that the incarnation was announced.  She was the first to receive the good news of Jesus’ birth.

She was with Jesus throughout his hidden life in Jerusalem.  Mary was there pushing Jesus to begin his ministry at the Wedding Feast at Cana.  We read of her following Jesus as he moved from place to place. 

Finally, we read of how she went to Jerusalem during the final days of Jesus’ life.  She stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus died in the Gospel of John. When Jesus said, “Women behold your Son” to the beloved disciple and Mary it was a most significant moment (John 19:26-27).  The disciple without a name (the beloved one) represents everyone who follows Jesus. 

Jesus placed all of us into the loving care of Mary.  She looks at each of us as her children.  We remember that on this day after Pentecost.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I feel beloved right now or do I feel alone in the world?  Why do I feel the way I do?

2. The beloved disciple was the Apostle Jesus wanted to be closest to. If we are that disciple, then how special are we in the Lord’s eyes?

Dear Parishioners,

            We begin ordinary time today.  The Lenten and Easter Seasons have been very fruitful in many ways.  We have all had a lot of quiet time, hopefully, we have been able to that without many of the distractions that usually keep us preoccupied.

            We will continue to have Mass online every morning at 8 a.m. this week. Communion will be in the parking lot behind the church about 15 minutes after Mass.  We will have the rosary on Friday before Mass as well.  As of this moment we will attempt to have an outdoor Mass next Sunday at 9 a.m. weather permitting. This will give everyone get a little extra shut eye on Sunday morning.  Other services will be announced as the week progresses.  Please keep up with the news by reading this daily homily.

            Please share the information here with people who may not have access to computers.

May our Lady and all the angels and saints watch over you today.

Fr. Mark