“Near the cross of Jesus there stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Seeing his mother there with the disciple whom he loved, Jesus said to his mother, “Woman, there is your son, In turn he said to his disciple, “There is your mother.” From that hour onward, the disciple took her into his care. John 19: 25-27
The Second Vatican Council summed up for us this role of Mary, Mother of Mercy, which the Council Father wrote these words in the Council document entitled Lumen Gentium (no. 62):
“The motherhood of Mary in the order of grace lasts without interruption from the consent which she faithfully gave at the annunciation, and which she sustained without hesitation under the cross until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. In fact, being assumed into heaven, she has not laid aside this office of salvation, but by her manifold intercession, she continues to obtain for us the graces of eternal salvation. By her maternal charity, she takes care of the brethren of her Son who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are led into their blessed home.”
In these time of great difficulties, it is reassuring to know we have a Mother which is actively interceding for us in heaven. She knows our heartaches, our fears for our families. Let us turn to Her for comfort.
April 2, 2020