💖 HOMILY - JUNE 9 💖

 MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH 

First Reading - Acts 1:12-14

Gospel - John 19:25-34

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, which falls on the Monday after Pentecost. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church, and this feast reminds us that Mary, whom Jesus entrusted to the beloved disciple, has also been entrusted to the Church as its spiritual mother. The readings today invite us to grow in love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and give her due place in our lives.

The gospel passage reminds us of the maternal care of God through Mary. Jesus, hanging on the Cross, entrusts his mother to the care of the beloved disciple and, in doing so, entrusts her to all believers. The beloved disciple traditionally is believed to be John, but some scholars suggest he remains unnamed because he represents every disciple—every believer. In this way, Jesus gives his mother to the Church, and Mary becomes our mother too.

The first reading shows Mary in the company of the disciples after the resurrection. She is with them in prayer, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Her presence shows the care of a mother who stays with her children, encouraging and interceding for them. Just as she helped the early Church in its moments of fear and uncertainty, she continues to help us today with her prayer and intercession.

This feast reminds us that Mary has been given to us as our heavenly mother. She accompanies us, prays for us, and guides us just as she did for the apostles. Jesus has given us the assurance of maternal care in Mary, and we are invited to welcome her into our lives, as the beloved disciple welcomed her into his home.

We are also invited to take Mary into our inner lives—into our homes, our hearts, and our decisions—through prayer, especially the Rosary, and through other Marian devotions. Her presence in our lives strengthens us to resist the influence of evil and to remain faithful to Christ.

Let us pray that we may always give Mary her rightful place in our lives and in our families, and that through her intercession we may grow closer to her Son.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.