Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
Memorial Day (in the USA)

Defining Motherhood

Going into a large, unfamiliar room with only a small flashlight, can’t tell much of what the room holds, its character, its purpose. Defining motherhood with a flashlight in hand doesn’t give the whole picture. At one time, societal mores and advertising told us what mothers are. That model is pretty much a long-past stereotype.

Today, motherhood is a mixed bag of definitions, but motherhood has a universal quality with shared experiences. Hundreds of titles are ascribed to Mary, who embraces every human emotion and is part of the people’s history. She is all things to all people; she is the Church. Her presence in the cenacle confirms her rightful place. How blessed we are. She wants us to grow and thrive, becoming the person we are meant to be. How do we find that person? The quiet moments, washing away the trivial and even the overpowering nightmares, give us a taste of the interior life. Rest ourselves in the cenacle with Mary, who knows the direction we are seeking.

In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis highlights Mary’s role as Mother of Evangelization. We are to be the Church. The Holy Spirit has gifted us, as with Mary, to announce the Good News. She is the model of Eucharist, sharing the disciples’ life of prayer in the Cenacle and their apostolic journeying in the world.

Like her, we let ourselves be guided by the Spirit so that, docile to his action, we contribute effectively to the coming of the Kingdom. Project of Life for the Aggregation.

So, we are called. Let’s respond and be a light for the world.

On this Memorial Day, let us remember those who brought the light of freedom to our world through their sacrifice.

Prayer

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his marvelous deeds. (Psalm 96:1-3)