The conception of Jesus required the union of the Holy Spirit, the Divine, and Mary, representing humanity (Lk 1:35, 38). Likewise, the birth of the Church involved both the Holy Spirit, the Divine, and Mary, who was with the apostles in the upper room (see Acts 1:14). Thus, we refer to Mary under the titles of Mother of God and Mother of the Church.
In the upper room, Mary had to choose reconciliation with the apostles. Peter denied knowing Jesus (Mt 26:70-74). When the apostles abandoned Jesus to death on the cross and fled (Mk 14:50), that meant they also abandoned Mary, who was with Jesus at the foot of the cross (Jn 19:25). Mary chose to forgive Peter and the apostles, and all of us as well. Her forgiveness enabled the apostles to seek the Holy Spirit in freedom and peace.
From the cross, Jesus said to John, representing the Church, "Behold your mother." From that hour onward, John took Mary into his home (see Jn 19:27). Jesus chose to speak these words from the cross, while hanging in agony. This emphasizes their importance. Do what Jesus tells you (see Jn 2:5). Take Mary into your home –– as Mother of the Church and your mother as well.
| PRAYER: | Father, thank You for generously giving Mary to us as our mother and model discipler. May I lovingly take her into my home as Jesus wishes. |
| PROMISE: | "One of the soldiers thrust a lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out." –Jn 19:34 |
| PRAISE: | Father, You chose Mary as our mother for all eternity. We praise You for making us "her offspring...who keep God's commandments and give witness to Jesus" (see Rv 12:17 |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College