Weekly Reflection 5/10/2020
REFLECTION
Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 10, 2020
MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day always makes me think of our Blessed Mother Mary and my mother. A child of immigrants and a survivor of the Great Depression and World II, my mother grew up in a family of strong faith. She passed that unconditional love, unshakeable faith in Christ and devotion to the Blessed Mother on to her six children.
This day for mothers and this Marian month of May, asks us to remember the great women of the Church and in our own lives. We are inspired by the sacrifices they made, the hardships they endured and the love they shared. The greatest example of the perfect mother is Mary herself. Despite knowing her life would be difficult if she said “yes” to God, Mary placed her trust in Him and bore our Savior. She was there with Christ from His first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana to His burial in a borrowed grave in Jerusalem. After Her son rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, Mary became the Mother of the Church.
Throughout history the Blessed Mother has guided the Church, given comfort to the sorrowful and reassurance to the faithful. From a poor peasant at Guadalupe to a young girl at Lourdes to three humble children at Fatima, Mary has appeared to a weary world with a message of hope. She has implored us to pray the rosary and allow its strength to heal the physical, mental and spiritual wounds of all peoples.
As the world faces this pandemic, Pope Francis has called us to pray the rosary, including two new prayers to Mary. In confidence, we remember that never was it known that anyone who fled to her protection, implored her help or sought her intercessions was left unaided. Let us turn to the Blessed Mother and take time to pray the rosary, asking for her to intercede to her son Jesus to protect and heal those who are suffering. And let us pray for all mothers and those who have been mother figures to us. Happy Mother’s Day!
Patrick J. Perkins