John 19: 26-27 “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home”
Lord, help me to find you, not only in my heart, but in the heart of the Mother you gave to us all. Teach me to entrust my needs to her prayers, and give me the grace to follow her example of faithful discipleship. Form your life in me as you did in the womb of Mary, and empower me to nurture that life in others. Amen.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Rev.12:1 “A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head was a crown of twelve stars.”
There are days when I am so grateful that my mom is there to talk to, days when I know that even though I am a mother, I still need a mother myself. A mother’s love is irreplaceable. Those who have supportive and loving mothers know this; so do those who have been disadvantaged by the absence of that love. Almost every parish honors Mary with an image in or near the sanctuary. It isn’t just because she was chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God. It is because Mary is our Mother, too. When we pray, Mary adds her voice to ours. And because she is so very close to God, Mary amplifies our prayers in the ear—and heart—of her Son.
