Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary
On September 8, the Church celebrated the Nativity of Mary, nine months after her Immaculate Conception. Today, the Church honors the Most Holy Name of Mary.
We also commemorate today the approval that Father Eymard received from the bishop of Angers, France, in 1864, to establish the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.
In Our Lady’s time, the spoken language was Aramaic; her name was Mariam. Derived from the root, merur, the word signifies “bitterness.” Soon we will remember her seven sorrows, fulfilling the prediction of her heart pierced with a sword.
Mary says yes to God’s request to bear His Son. Accepting in her womb the divinity of God, she brings salvation to the world. She is the mother of all born of Baptism. Her maternity continues in all who become children of God, freed from the darkness of sin.
We fail to see our wooden beam blocking us from removing a speck in others. It was like that for Paul, who recalls times of darkness in his life of sin and unbelief. Christ offered him an abundant life in ministry. Bitterness turns to blessings when we learn to see as God sees with love and mercy.
Pope John Paul II, with great devotion to Mary, said she anticipated the Eucharistic faith of the Church, calling her the first tabernacle of history. From the time of conception to the cross and resurrection, she gave herself as Christ’s dwelling place. Mary was the first woman to model a human dwelling place for God.
Holy Communion helps us to live in the union of God’s love for the world. We live in the truth and mercy belonging to the Body of Christ. Her name also points to the lights in the night sky. She is likened to a star, for a star shines forth its light. Mary gave us her son, who continues to live his full humanity in the Eucharist. The promise made to Abraham is fulfilled. The glowing rays of stars brighten the beauty of the night.
Let us pray:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
