Mary the Mother of the Church - Why? Various Reasons

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 8th Week -  Monday

*GOSPEL -  Jn 19:25-34*

*First Reading - Gen 3:9-15, 20*

*Mary the Mother of the Church - Why? Various Reasons*

*1) The Birth of the Church*

Mary gave Birth to Jesus and through Jesus the Church came into existence. 

In other words Mary becomes the Woman who gives birth to Jesus and also to the Church. That is why she is the Mother of the Church 

*2) The First Church at the foot of the Cross*

At the foot of the Cross there were five people. They are Mary the mother of Jesus, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,  Mary of Magdala, and the beloved disciple of Jesus 

Among these Mary becomes the reference point and others were standing along with Mary 

In other words Mary was a person who keeps them together and they also share the pain of Mary 

So She becomes the important person at the foot of the Cross, in the First Church 

*3) Mary on the Day of Pentecost*

Officially we say that Church was born on the day of Pentecost. 

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and also on Mother Mary 

In fact Mary becomes the powerful person to unite all scattered disciples and to bring them together 

So she is the one who organised the First Church and gave right direction to the Apostles to carry out the mission 

So Mary becomes the Mother of the Church

*4) Mary becomes the First disciple*

It is commonly accepted that Mary is the First Disciple.

So being the First disciple Mary enjoys the privilege of taking care of the Church with her Motherly Role 

So she is the Mother of the Church

*5) Role of the Mother*

A family survives when the mother is alive, even if the greatest disaster comes on the family. 

The mother will not allow the family to be destroyed, rather she will go to any extent, making all the sacrifices for the family 

The Motherly role played by Mary for over 2000 years has helped the Church to face any challenges and to withstand with any crisis.

If the Church is still existing today, its because of Mary's motherly care and interventions in the Church 

*6) Highest apparitions of Mary*

Over the last 2000 years Mary is the Person, who has appeared in this world, highest number of time 

Evey appearance of Mary is with a powerful message to the entire mankind, for the survival 

Her appearances has the direct influence on the Church and its mission 

Through her apparitions Mary is protecting, strengthening and showing the right direction to the Church 

So she is really a great mother of the Church 

*7) Mary is also my Mother, our Mother*

Mary's motherhood is not only seen in the Church but also in my own life 

In fact she is the mother of every Christian and the followers of Jesus 

As a Mother she protects us and shows the right direction to follow Jesus 

So let us thank God for Mary our beloved mother who always takes care of us 

Let's also live our life according to the standards of the Gospel, so that we can become the Holy children of our Heavenly Mother Mary 

*Wishing you and your dear ones a happy feast of Our Lady, Mary, the Mother of the Church*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*