Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we are given an opportunity to reflect on the greatness of our Blessed Mother as we are invited to revisit her pivotal role within the New Testament and to understand the profound significance of the commission given to her by Jesus as He hung upon the cross. In doing so, we turn first to the Book of Proverbs and then to the Gospel of Luke for today’s readings at Holy Mass.
In Proverbs 21:1-6, we learn about the sovereignty of God over the hearts of men, a reminder that ultimately, all things rest in the divine plan of our Creator. "The heart of a king is like water in the hands of the Lord; God directs it according to His will." This reminds us of Mary, our Blessed Mother. For if a king’s heart could be so docile to the will of God, how much more the woman he created, chose and destined to be his Mother, when assuming a human nature in time, was aptly given a heart to cooperate, co-redeem, with the Heart of God?
From the moment she received the angel’s greeting, her heart was guided by God’s plan. She responded with profound humility and obedience, saying, “Let it be done to me according to your word.”
Mary exemplifies the very essence of what it means to trust in God’s direction. Her journey was not easy; it was very humanly marked by trials, uncertainty, and sacrifice. Yet, her commitment to God's will was unwavering, for above and beyond the sacrifices she was willing to make, as we hear in Proverbs, "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." Mary embodies this truth through her life, demonstrating righteousness and justice through her actions and faith.
Throughout Jesus’ life, we see her quietly supporting Him—after all, she was there at the wedding feast at Cana, interceding with compassionate concern, and later, following Him during His ministry. When Jesus was teaching, and His kin were outside calling for Him, He reminded all of us of the deeper connection we share with God, stating, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” This statement highlights not only the greatness of Mary but also her profound love for God and her role in salvation history.
As we arrive at the foot of the cross, we witness the culmination of Mary’s journey. In that moment of excruciating sorrow and profound love, Jesus entrusts her to the disciple whom He loved, saying, “Woman, behold your son,” and to John, “Behold your mother.” Here, Jesus institutes a new relationship that transcends blood ties and earthly connections. He elevates Mary to a place of maternal authority for all believers.
The role assigned to Mary from the cross is monumental. She is not only the mother of Jesus but also the spiritual mother of us all. Through her, we find solace, guidance, and an example of perfect discipleship. She hears the cries of all her children, responding with a mother’s heart, offering her intercession to those who call upon her.
As we reflect on Mary, let us remember that her greatness lies not in her status but in her humility and openness to God's will. She listened—and she acted. She is our model, calling us also to listen to the Word of God and to act upon it. Each of us is invited to take Mary as our example, to find strength in her unwavering faith and to live out the call of serving others and seeking justice—just as her life teaches us.
Holy Mary, Queen of the Divine Will, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.
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