Faith and Mission
May, a Month to Honour Mary, Mother of God
During the month of May, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Mother of God. The Church believes that Mary is the model disciple of Jesus and that she shows Christians how to listen to God’s word and keep it.
In Luke’s Gospel it is clear that Mary of Nazareth had a special place in God’s plan for salvation. Beginning with Mary’s humble acceptance of God’s will, revealed by the Angel Gabriel, Mary is presented as the true, first disciple who does the will of God. Mary reveals to us the meaning of true faith – a willingness to accept God’s call and to gradually discover the full meaning of God’s will.
So, it is fitting that we also celebrate Mother’s Day and recall our mothers and all women who have had a positive influence in our lives through their care and self-giving.
Take a moment to read to that episode in Luke’s Gospel that tells us of Mary’s trust in God:
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In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)
Now take a moment for prayer, either on your own or as a family, to reflect on the example that Mary is for us today:
| Mary, you listened to God, and you took a risk. | |
| Help us to do what God wants of us, even when it seems difficult. | |
| Mary, you always found time to reflect and pray about important decisions. | |
| Give us patience and teach us to pray. | |
| Mary, you took a risk telling Joseph about God's message. | |
| Help us to be honest with our family and friends. | |
| Mary, you became a refugee, travelling to Egypt to escape Herod's anger. | |
| Help us to understand the needs of those who come to our country looking for safety and protection. | |
| Mary, you visited your cousin Elizabeth who was also going to have a baby, even though she was an older woman. | |
| Teach us to think of the needs of other people. | |
| Mary, you watched your son Jesus grow into a man. Many followed him, listening to his preaching and learning from him. | |
| Help us as we try to listen to Jesus and learn about God. | |
| Mary, you were with Jesus on that dreadful journey to Calvary. You saw him whipped and felt his pain. You heard him mocked and insulted and you could do nothing to protect him. | |
| Show us the way to reach out to others who may be suffering or just in need of a true friend. | |
| Mary, you stood at the foot of the Cross, mourning the death of your son Jesus. | |
| Give us courage to be with our friends when they need us the most. | |
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of Mary. Give us the grace to do your will more perfectly each day.
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. | |
St John Baptist de La Salle. Pray for us. Mary, Holy Mother of God. Pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever! |
Ria Greene
Deputy Principal
Faith and Mission