Monday 9 June 2025
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Of you are told glorious tings, O City of God! – Psalm 86(87); John 19:25-34
The model of welcome
Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost Sunday, the day the church was born. Today we celebrate Mary, the Mother of the Church. In those years after Pentecost, the church slowly grew under the influence of the Holy Spirit and the inspiring work of the first apostles with Paul and Timothy among them. Memories of the teachings of Jesus, like the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ including the Beatitudes, were central to their preaching. And the table of the Eucharist was central to their prayer. We don’t know when Mary died and was assumed body and soul into heaven, but it would not have been long before Mary was understood as Mother of the Church and mother of the common table. Pope Francis has said that around our common table it is important not just that all are fed but that all belong. Mary, who said yes to Gabriel, is the model of welcome.
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