FRIENDS and SERVANTS of the WORD
May 29, 2023
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MOTHER of the CHURCH
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved,
he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”
Then he said to the disciple,
“Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (John 19: 26-27)
How shall I live this Word? 
The disciple He loved is every person who welcomes God’s love. And what does Jesus say to them in John, “Behold your mother” indicating Mary, His mother. He welcomed her not only by giving her a home, but mainly by praying with her, as the Antiphon reminds us. “All these were persevering in prayer with one accord, together with some women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.” (Acts 1:14). We must not welcome Mary into our home only with paintings or statues, but as a Mother in prayer so that she can help us with her maternal love to go towards Jesus. Welcoming her as a Mother will be our prayer written by Pope Francis at the end of the Encyclical Lumen Fidei (29 June 2013).
The voice of Pope Francis, to Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of our faith
“Help our faith, O Mother!
Help us listen to the Word, so that we may recognize God’s voice and His call.
Awaken in us the desire to follow in His footsteps, leaving our land and accepting His promise.
Help us to let ourselves be touched by His love, so we may touch Him with faith.
Help us to entrust ourselves fully to Him, to believe in His love for us, especially in moments of tribulation and the cross, when our faith is called to mature.
Sow the joy of the Risen One in our faith.
Remind us that those who believe are never alone.
Teach us to look with the eyes of Jesus, so that He may be light on our path. And may this light of faith always grow in us, until that day without sunset comes, which is Christ Himself, your Son, our Lord.”
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Living Scripture 
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