Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God

and World Day of Peace

January 1

“We serve a Mother who seems to grow more beautiful

as new generations call her blessed."  ~ GK Chesterton

Photo credit: Gertrude Kasebier

   "Cana is a delightful story of loving concern.  Mary's maternal

solicitude moved her to intercede with her Son even though His hour

had not yet come.  The loving heart of Jesus could not turn a deaf ear

to His Mother's intercession.

    Jesus used this occasion to reveal to us the power of His Mother's intercession; also, to teach us Mary's role as Mother of the Church and intercessor for her children.  Changing water into wine is a symbolic

sign and a remote preparation for the Eucharist.

    At the very first Mass offered on Calvary's heights, Mary again

fulfilled her role of intercessor.  John gives us this brief account without adjective or adverb, yet so descriptive:  "Near the cross of Jesus

there stood His Mother (Jn 19:25)..."

    The Church has always incorporated Mary's role into the Mass. 

Mary is the channel through which Jesus came to us.  She is also the

channel through which we go to Jesus.

    As Queen-Mother of our eternal High-Priest, Mary continues to

intercede in heaven as she did on earth.  Her intercession on Calvary

opened the floodgates of God's mercy.  Her intercession in the Upper Room called down the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, and the Church was born." 

David E Roage

The Bread of Life

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Holy Spirit, bring new life and peace!

 

The Marriage at Cana, Gérard David
c. 1500, Oil on wood, Musée du Louvre, Paris