Happy Sunday!
Good Shepherd Sunday coincides with Mother's Day this year in the US. With First Holy Communions also near it is a time to reflect on our Blessed Mother Mary whose month is May. Motherhood is within all
women and Mary, full of grace, Our Lady of Grace stands as the witness to love. How often does a mother go about her call in the numerous ways that feed, nurture, promote, educate, lift, forgive and strengthen her children? Mary taught us the eternal
truths of mothering. She leads us to her son. In the book, Wedding Feast of the Lamb, by Roch Kereszty, OCist. He describes her union with her risen son: "Receiving the risen Lord in the Eucharist, Mary received heaven
itself in her soul....She will pray with us and for us so that our body may be healed...and (we)may begin to share in her virtues, goodness, compassion, patience and chastity." (P. 236). How could we miss the love St. JPII had for Mary, even emblazoning a
"M" on his coffin and to whom he attributed the sparing of his life when a gunman threatened his life in a shooting? Or the bishop who lost his brother in the 911 tragedy and who continued to pray the Memorare prayer daily?
"Remember. O
most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O virgin of virgins, my mother. To you I come,
before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen."
Mary, model of faith hear the prayers of every one illuminating our path in a beauty of womanhood-one
of fidelity, truth and openness to the will of God.
'The Lord is my shepherd.' (Psalm 23.)
Peace!