Mother for His Mission

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, share the tradition and connection of Mary to care for the Church.

St Mary's Bascilica 

The reading from the Book of Genesis presents the enmity between the snake and the woman.

* [3:14] Each of the three punishments (the snake, the woman, the man) has a double aspect, one affecting the individual and the other affecting a basic relationship. The snake previously stood upright, enjoyed a reputation for being shrewder than other creatures, and could converse with human beings as in vv. 1–5. It must now move on its belly, is more cursed than any creature, and inspires revulsion in human beings (v. 15).

* [3:15] They will strike…at their heel: the antecedent for “they” and “their” is the collective noun “offspring,” i.e., all the descendants of the woman. Christian tradition has seen in this passage, however, more than unending hostility between snakes and human beings. The snake was identified with the devil (Wis 2:24; Jn 8:44; Rev 12:9; 20:2), whose eventual defeat seemed implied in the verse. Because “the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the devil” (1 Jn 3:8), the passage was understood as the first promise of a redeemer for fallen humankind, the protoevangelium. Irenaeus of Lyons (ca. A.D. 130–200), in his Against Heresies 5.21.1, followed by several other Fathers of the Church, interpreted the verse as referring to Christ, and cited Gal 3:19 and 4:4 to support the reference. Another interpretive translation is ipsa, “she,” and is reflected in Jerome’s Vulgate. “She” was thought to refer to Mary, the mother of the messiah. In Christian art Mary is sometimes depicted with her foot on the head of the serpent.

* [3:20] The man gives his wife a more specific name than “woman” (2:23). The Hebrew name hawwa (“Eve”) is related to the Hebrew word hay (“living”); “mother of all the living” points forward to the next episode involving her sons Cain and Abel. (Genesis, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Alternate Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents The First Community in Jerusalem.

* [1:1–26] This introductory material (Acts 1:1–2) connects Acts with the Gospel of Luke, shows that the apostles were instructed by the risen Jesus (Acts 1:3–5), points out that the parousia or second coming in glory of Jesus will occur as certainly as his ascension occurred (Acts 1:6–11), and lists the members of the Twelve, stressing their role as a body of divinely mandated witnesses to his life, teaching, and resurrection (Acts 1:12–26). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 87 is A song of Zion, like Ps 46; 48; 76; 132.

* [87:2] The gates: the city itself, a common Hebrew idiom.

* [87:5–6] The bond between the exile and the holy city was so strong as to override the exile’s citizenship of lesser cities. (Psalms, CHAPTER 87 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the symbolism of the Blood and Water.

* [19:25] It is not clear whether four women are meant, or three (i.e., Mary the wife of Cl[e]opas [cf. Lk 24:18] is in apposition with his mother’s sister) or two (his mother and his mother’s sister, i.e., Mary of Cl[e]opas and Mary of Magdala). Only John mentions the mother of Jesus here. The synoptics have a group of women looking on from a distance at the cross (Mk 15:40).

* [19:26–27] This scene has been interpreted literally, of Jesus’ concern for his mother; and symbolically, e.g., in the light of the Cana story in Jn 2 (the presence of the mother of Jesus, the address woman, and the mention of the hour) and of the upper room in Jn 13 (the presence of the beloved disciple; the hour). Now that the hour has come (Jn 19:28), Mary (a symbol of the church?) is given a role as the mother of Christians (personified by the beloved disciple); or, as a representative of those seeking salvation, she is supported by the disciple who interprets Jesus’ revelation; or Jewish and Gentile Christianity (or Israel and the Christian community) are reconciled.

* [19:28] The scripture…fulfilled: either in the scene of Jn 19:25–27, or in the I thirst of Jn 19:28. If the latter, Ps 22:16; 69:22 deserve consideration.

* [19:29] Wine: John does not mention the drugged wine, a narcotic that Jesus refused as the crucifixion began (Mk 15:23), but only this final gesture of kindness at the end (Mk 15:36). Hyssop, a small plant, is scarcely suitable for carrying a sponge (Mark mentions a reed) and may be a symbolic reference to the hyssop used to daub the blood of the paschal lamb on the doorpost of the Hebrews (Ex 12:22).

* [19:30] Handed over the spirit: there is a double nuance of dying (giving up the last breath or spirit) and that of passing on the holy Spirit; see Jn 7:39 which connects the giving of the Spirit with Jesus’ glorious return to the Father, and Jn 20:22 where the author portrays the conferral of the Spirit.

* [19:34–35] John probably emphasizes these verses to show the reality of Jesus’ death, against the docetic heretics. In the blood and water there may also be a symbolic reference to the Eucharist and baptism. (John, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Suzanne Braddock grew up in a church that did not give Mary this role of “Behold your mother.”

It has taken me a lifetime to grow close to her, to allow her to mother me as I am sure she desires.

I have learned that she is a patient and persistent mother who never gives up. She is a rather silent mother who speaks when she really wants to be heard. Do I listen? Do I struggle to understand when I am hurt? Do I forgive? Do I stay until the end? Am I with others to witness the glory of Jesus’ resurrection? Do I share the Good News with others?

Mother Mary, pray for us. (Braddock, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 19:25-34 notes that as Pope Francis wrote, Jesus gave Mary to us “because he did not want us to journey without a mother” (Evangelii Gaudium, 285).

Jesus understands how much we need a mother’s love to help us share the gospel. Only a mother who embraces all of her children equally can teach us to love all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. And only a mother of infinite patience will stay close to us as we experience the ups and downs of building a Church that is open to all.

So today, as you honor Mary, the Mother of the Church, take her as your own mother. Ask her to walk with you. And behold your mother!

“Holy Mary, give me your heart of love!” (Meditation on John 19:25-34, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the events in the reading from Genesis where we hear sin creates division between us and God. Adam blames Eve and she blames the snake that will lose its legs and be the sign of enmity between it and the woman. In the Greek, the snake will strike at “her” heel as represented in the statues of Mary but in the original text the enmity may have been focused on David or the future Messiah. The texts from Chapter 1 of Acts describe that, after the ascension, the Apostles and Mary gather in the Upper Room for prayer. Mary is present as mother and model of the Church. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares “Mother behold your son” and the tradition is that The Beloved, John in Ephesus, cares for Mary. Symbolically, Jesus on the cross is marrying the Church and presents an allusion to the creation of the first woman. From His side Blood represents Eucharist and water Baptism. In a connection to Levirate Marriage tradition, we need to know who is to marry the widow? Jesus adopts the Beloved disciple as a brother. Who is the One who becomes mother of the Beloved? Mary Mother of the Church. Friar Jude notes that Mary appears twice in John’s Gospel: Cana and under the cross. Ultimately we are the Beloved Disciple and Mary is Our Mother who guides her children.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Theologian Willie Jennings who recounts how the Holy Spirit created a new community through common language.Through the Spirit, an intimacy with God and with one another is born.

God has come to them, on them, with them. This moment echoes Mary’s intimate moment. The Holy Spirit again overshadows. However, this similar holy action creates something different, something startling. The Spirit creates joining. The followers of Jesus are now being connected in a way that joins them to people in the most intimate space—of voice, memory, sound, body, land, and place. It is language that runs through all these matters. It is the sinew of existence of a people. My people, our language: to speak a language is to speak a people. Speaking announces familiarity, connection, and relationality.…

This is not generic speech, formal pronouncements, but the language of intimate spaces where peoples inside talk to one another. The hearers query a past that does not exist for these followers of Jesus. “How do they know my language and know my people? When did they gain that knowledge?” But their miraculous tongues are not about the past but about the future, a future shaped by divine desire. This is why we must see more than a miracle of hearing. Such limited seeing … exposes our modern failure to grasp the revolutionary intimacy that will give birth to a belonging that we will call church. This is a revolution of the Spirit always poised to unleash itself at the slightest moment of faithful waiting and yielding. (Rohr, n.d.)

We celebrate the role of Mary as Mother of the Church and our model of trust, faith, and hope as we journey as Christians in the world.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/1?12 

Braddock, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. On Line Ministries. Retrieved May 25, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-25-2026 

Genesis, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3?9 

John, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 25, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/19? 

Meditation on John 19:25-34. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 25, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/25/1577966/ 

Psalms, CHAPTER 87 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/87?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Speaking the Church into Existence. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 25, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/speaking-the-church-into-existence/ 

Spirit of Peace and Love

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to embrace the mystical energy of the Holy Spirit that makes the Love between the Father and the Son our inspiration to be disciples of the fullness of life through peace and love for all.

The Spirit of Love

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles is Luke’s pentecostal narrative of The Coming of the Spirit.

* [2:1–41] Luke’s pentecostal narrative consists of an introduction (Acts 2:1–13), a speech ascribed to Peter declaring the resurrection of Jesus and its messianic significance (Acts 2:14–36), and a favorable response from the audience (Acts 2:37–41). It is likely that the narrative telescopes events that took place over a period of time and on a less dramatic scale. The Twelve were not originally in a position to proclaim publicly the messianic office of Jesus without incurring immediate reprisal from those religious authorities in Jerusalem who had brought about Jesus’ death precisely to stem the rising tide in his favor.

* [2:2] There came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind: wind and spirit are associated in Jn 3:8. The sound of a great rush of wind would herald a new action of God in the history of salvation.

* [2:3] Tongues as of fire: see Ex 19:18 where fire symbolizes the presence of God to initiate the covenant on Sinai. Here the holy Spirit acts upon the apostles, preparing them to proclaim the new covenant with its unique gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38).

* [2:4] To speak in different tongues: ecstatic prayer in praise of God, interpreted in Acts 2:6, 11 as speaking in foreign languages, symbolizing the worldwide mission of the church. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 104 declares the beauty of creation with awe.

* [Psalm 104] A hymn praising God who easily and skillfully made rampaging waters and primordial night into a world vibrant with life… The psalmist reacts to the beauty of creation with awe (Ps 104:24–34).

* [104:26] Leviathan: a sea monster symbolizing primeval chaos, cf. Ps 74:14; Is 27:1; Jb 40:25. God does not destroy chaos but makes it part of the created order.

* [104:29–30] On one level, the spirit (or wind) of God is the fall and winter rains that provide food for all creatures. On another, it is the breath (or spirit) of God that makes beings live. (Psalms, PSALM 104 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians declares Unity and Variety in One Body with Many Parts

* [12:4–6] There are some features common to all charisms, despite their diversity: all are gifts (charismata), grace from outside ourselves; all are forms of service (diakoniai), an expression of their purpose and effect; and all are workings (energēmata), in which God is at work. Paul associates each of these aspects with what later theology will call one of the persons of the Trinity, an early example of “appropriation.”

* [12:12–26] The image of a body is introduced to explain Christ’s relationship with believers (1 Cor 12:12). 1 Cor 12:13 applies this model to the church: by baptism all, despite diversity of ethnic or social origins, are integrated into one organism. 1 Cor 12:14–26 then develop the need for diversity of function among the parts of a body without threat to its unity. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus appears to present the Spirit and Peace.

* [20:19–29] The appearances to the disciples, without or with Thomas (cf. Jn 11:16; 14:5), have rough parallels in the other gospels only for Jn 20:19–23; cf. Lk 24:36–39; Mk 16:14–18.

* [20:19] The disciples: by implication from Jn 20:24 this means ten of the Twelve, presumably in Jerusalem. Peace be with you: although this could be an ordinary greeting, John intends here to echo Jn 14:27. The theme of rejoicing in Jn 20:20 echoes Jn 16:22.

* [20:20] Hands and…side: Lk 24:39–40 mentions “hands and feet,” based on Ps 22:17.

* [20:21] By means of this sending, the Eleven were made apostles, that is, “those sent” (cf. Jn 17:18), though John does not use the noun in reference to them (see note on Jn 13:16). A solemn mission or “sending” is also the subject of the post-resurrection appearances to the Eleven in Mt 28:19; Lk 24:47; Mk 16:15.

* [20:22] This action recalls Gn 2:7, where God breathed on the first man and gave him life; just as Adam’s life came from God, so now the disciples’ new spiritual life comes from Jesus. Cf. also the revivification of the dry bones in Ez 37. This is the author’s version of Pentecost. Cf. also the note on Jn 19:30.

* [20:23] The Council of Trent defined that this power to forgive sins is exercised in the sacrament of penance. See Mt 16:19; Mt 18:18. (John, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Vivian Amu (2022) implores “Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with peace”.

“Peace be with you,” Jesus says.  It is rare to feel peace for more than a few minutes these days.  All we need to do is turn on the television, get on social media, or encounter someone who tends to push our buttons, and there goes our peace of mind.  However, our experience of the day is much different when we are accompanied by the Holy Spirit.  When we invite the Holy Spirit into every experience, we can do God’s works with confidence and courage.  We can begin our day creating the space we need to allow the Holy Spirit to liberate us and empower us. 

My friends, let us invite the Holy Spirit who breaks down the walls of a stubborn heart, heals the broken, melts the frozen, and guides our steps.  We are in much need of the reconciling presence of the Spirit, which draws us into communion with each other, yes, other members of the body of Christ.

Come, Holy Spirit, rest on us, dwell in us, stay with us. (Amu, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Holy Spirit at Pentecost,” by Leo the Great, 400-461 A.D.

"To the Hebrew people, now freed from Egypt, the law was given on Mount Sinai fifty days after the immolation of the paschal lamb. Similarly, after the passion of Christ in which the true Lamb of God was killed, just fifty days after his resurrection, the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles and the whole group of believers. Thus the earnest Christian may easily perceive that the beginnings of the Old Covenant were at the service of the beginnings of the gospel and that the same Spirit who instituted the first established the Second Covenant." (excerpt from Sermon 75.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 20:19-23 comments that at Mass today, we will also recite the Veni, Sancte Spiritus: “Come, Holy Spirit!” So let’s ask the Spirit to come and “heal our wounds, our strength renew” and to “wash the stains of guilt away.” Let’s ask him to help us leave behind all guilt and shame.

If you feel burdened by sorrow, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Cry out to him: “Shed a ray of light divine! / You, of comforters the best; / . . . Sweet refreshment here below; / in our labor, most sweet rest.” Ask him to fill you with joy.

Jesus has breathed his Holy Spirit on you, and he is inviting you to open your heart and receive him.

“Come, Holy Spirit, and fill my heart anew!” (Meditation on John 20:19-23, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments in Acts Luke recounts the descent of the Spirit on Pentecost, already a Jewish festival, The word for “wind” “breath” and Spirit” in the Hebrew is used. The disciples hear the wind and experience the Holy Spirit. Everyone hears them in their native language whether the apostles are speaking or the crowd is hearing in different languages. This event is also to heal the tower of Babel and the confusion of languages. The idea is to say Jesus is Lord in the Holy Spirit. Gnostics claimed a special knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Their claim is that revelation is totally spiritual therefore Jesus is superseded by the Spirit. Gifts from the Spirit are given for the sake of the community. Charisms include authority, preaching, teaching, listening, all to raise the spirits of people. We are baptized in One Body. Divisions of the past are not important. On Easter Evening, Jesus greets the disciples with peace after they have deserted Him. Jesus anoints them and us to receive the Holy Spirit and become a new creation and the Spirit will reside in our hearts and whisper in our ear. Friar Jude comments that for the mystic, John, time is not important, but the historian, Luke, places the anointing of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost as the time is important.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, encourages Christians to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit as a gift that God has already given.  

Even though we pray, “Come, Holy Spirit,” I hope you know that the gift of the Spirit is already given. The Holy Spirit has already come. We all are temples of the Holy Spirit—equally, objectively, and forever! The only difference is the degree to which we know it, draw upon it, and consciously believe it. All the scriptural images of the Spirit are dynamic—flowing water, descending dove or fire, and rushing wind. If there’s rarely any movement, energy, excitement, deep love, service, forgiveness, or surrender, we can be pretty sure we aren’t living out of the Spirit. If we’re just going through the motions, we aren’t experiencing our connection to the Spirit. We would do well to fan into flame the gift we already have.    

God doesn’t give the Spirit to those of us who are worthy, because none of us are worthy. God gives the Spirit in this awakened way to those who want it. On this Feast of Pentecost, quite simply, want it! Rely upon it. Know that it has already been given and live out of that trust. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit to come and fill our hearts and kindle the fire of love through which we live as new creations and become the workers to renew the face of Creation.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/2?1 

Amu, V. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 24, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-24-2026 

John, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/20? 

Meditation on John 20:19-23. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 24, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/24/1575649/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/12? 

Psalms, PSALM 104 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/104?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Available to All. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 24, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/available-to-all/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). They Were All Filled with the Holy Spirit! Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 24, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/