Mary Mother of the Church

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Tenth Week :  Monday*

*Mary Mother of the Church*

*Gospel : Jn 19:25-34*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 87:1-2, 3 and 5, 6-7*

*Mary Mother of the Church*

*1) Mary, Mother of the Church*

The title *“Mother of the Church”* was formally proclaimed by Pope Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council and further emphasized by Pope Francis. 

Biblically, this flows naturally from Mary’s role in the early Christian community

*2) Mary at the Foot of the Cross*

In this profound moment, Jesus is not only caring for His mother but entrusting her to the beloved disciple—a symbol of all faithful disciples.

This act is a spiritual adoption, where Mary becomes mother not only of John but of the entire Church.

Jesus gives His mother to His followers, establishing her as the mother of the redeemed community.

*3) Mary in the Upper Room*

Mary is there with the apostles, praying as they await Pentecost—the birth of the Church.

She is the mother of Jesus physically, and spiritually present at the Church’s beginning, nurturing it through prayer and presence.

Her presence in the Upper Room at Pentecost, the Church’s birthday, is a sign of her maternal role in the Church’s life and mission.

She is the only person present at both the Incarnation and Pentecost, showing her enduring role in the story of salvation.

*4) Mary as the New Eve and Mother of the New Creation*

Just as Eve was the “mother of all the living” (Genesis 3:20), Mary becomes the Mother of all those born in Christ.

She cooperates freely with God’s plan at the Annunciation (Luke 1:38), saying “yes” on behalf of humanity.

Her motherhood extends beyond the physical—it becomes spiritual and universal, embracing all who are reborn through faith.

*5) Mary Models the Life of the Church*

Mary is the perfect disciple: listening, pondering God’s Word (Luke 2:19), and obediently following God’s will.

She is a model of faith, humility, and trust, particularly in suffering, seen most vividly at the Cross.

As mother, she continues to intercede for her children, just as she interceded at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11).

*6) Mary as a Spiritual Guide*

Her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) reveals a heart filled with praise, justice, and hope.

She helps the Church maintain a Marian dimension: receptivity to grace, contemplation, and bearing Christ to the world.

Pope St. John Paul II said Mary "remains in the midst of the Church as a mother whose mission is to generate Christians."

*7) Liturgical and Ecclesial Emphasis*

In 2018, Pope Francis established the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost.

This liturgical placement reflects her role at the heart of the Church, especially from Pentecost onward.

She is not only the Mother of Christ but also the Mother of His Mystical Body, the Church.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*