Homily for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Those who have grown up in the Catholic faith have always understood Jesus' Mother, Mary, to be our Blessed Mother. Today's Gospel depicts the moment Jesus proclaimed her the Mother of the Church.

As the Church's Mother, Mary is involved in our relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. She answered God the Father's call through her conversation with the angel Gabriel. She gave birth to and raised Jesus, His Son. She was present on the original Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Church's first leaders.

When she stood at the foot of the Cross, just moments before her Son died, He proclaimed her to be not just the Mother of His beloved disciple but the Mother of all His disciples, the Mother of the Church.

May we live out our faith as did our Blessed Mother. May we be guided by her example and rely on her intercession for us in heaven.