6 June 2022 Mary, Mother of the Church
When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14, NRSV
After the ascension of Jesus, his apostles returned to the city to the room where they were staying. Although they had been promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, they would probably at that moment have felt uncertain and bereft for the leader who had left them. It is interesting to note that during this time of uncertainty and loss, the apostles were joined in prayer by some women including Mary the mother of Jesus. Mary’s closeness to the apostles and other disciples of Jesus perhaps explains why she has been traditionally considered by Catholics as the mother of the Church. This title whilst not made official until 1964, acknowledges the regard in which she has been held since the time of the early church. As Saint John Paul 11 explained “…in her new motherhood in the Spirit, Mary embraces each and every one in the Church, and embraces each and every one through the church.”
- Why do you think Mary and the other women remained with the apostles after Jesus’ ascension?
- How does the motherhood of Mary affect out church today?
Give thanks for Mary’s example of faith, hope and love.
Image Fresco in Sacro Speco in Subiaco, from scenes in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
