May 20 – Memorial for St. Bernadine of Siena, Priest
St. Bernadine (1381-1444) was a Friar Minor, a priest, an itinerant preacher, and a theological writer. His preaching skills were so great and the conversions so numerous, that he has become associated with all areas of speaking, advertising, public relations, etc.
Bernadine’s charismatic preaching filled the piazze of Italian cities. Thousands of listeners flocked to hear him and to participate in dramatic rituals, which included collective weeping, bonfires of vanities, and exorcisms. He was a renowned peacemaker, in the Franciscan tradition, who tried to calm feuding clans and factions in the turbulent political world of the Renaissance. His preaching visits would often culminate in mass reconciliations, as listeners were persuaded to exchange the bacio di pace, or kiss of peace.
Bernadine was sensitive to the demands of secular life, and tried to negotiate between Christian ethics and a conflicting code of honour that stressed retaining face in a public world. He argued that the catalyst of civil discord in the urban setting was malicious gossip, which led to insults, and, too often, vendetta by aggressive males. His surprising allies in his peacekeeping mission were the women who comprised the majority of his audience.
- Patron Saint Index
Gen 3:9-15,20
Jn 19:25-34
“Behold your son. Behold your mother.”
Let’s be honest with ourselves. Do we truly understand our relationship with Mary as a Catholic? If our Christian brothers ask you why Catholics worship Mary, what would your answer be?
First of all, as Catholics, we do not worship Mary; we pray to her and ask for her intercession. We ask her to bring our petitions to our Heavenly Father; to Jesus, her Beloved Son; to the Holy Spirit. Much like we ask for the Saints’ intercession or our friends’ help in more earthly terms.
But Mary is so much more. So much so that we really need to look carefully into our relationship with her.
First of all, Mary is the mother of Jesus; even non-Catholics cannot argue with that. Through the Holy Spirit overshadowing her, Mary conceived in her virginal womb, and gave birth to Jesus. It was Mary who lent a human form to our Lord. She loved and cared for Him as a mother in every sense of the word (no pun intended). That, in itself, we should be ever thankful for her, for her Fiat, for her instrumental part in Salvation history.
Secondly, Jesus Himself gave us His mother on the cross. He entrusted Mary to John, and thereby all Christians, and entrusted us to Mary as her children! What a gift! Not only did Jesus give of himself, He even shared His mother and brings us to the Heavenly Father as adoptive children! Praise be to God!
Let’s delve deeper into Mary’s pivotal role. As May is a Marian month, this is a wonderful time for us to reflect on our relationship with our Mother, who intercedes for us and leads us to Jesus. Throughout history, there are many saints who have a devotion to our Lady such as St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Mother Teresa, and St. John Paul II. What is it they know, and we don’t, about Mary? Why do they love her so and with such devotion?
If you have ever committed to a Marian consecration, you will understand why Catholics devote ourselves to Mary. When we consecrate ourselves, it is to Jesus through Mary. Mary is the mediatrix, who helps guide and lead us to her beloved Son.
Think back to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Mary was the catalyst. It was she who brought to Jesus’ attention the lack of wine at the wedding at Cana. It was Mary who said to the servants to listen to Jesus. It was Mary who stood at the foot of the Cross when our Lord was crucified. It was Mary who prayed with the disciples in the locked room after the death of Christ. It was Mary who was in the room when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.
Do you now see what an important role Mary has in the history of the Church? No, she isn’t a replacement to God, for God is divine. Mary is an instrument of God, but a perfect instrument –without any blemish nor sin (unlike us). She is to be an example to us all. She offers her guidance and leads us towards the everlasting glory of God.
An analogy from the many Catholic podcasts describes aptly what Mary represents. In ancient times, the Queen was not the wife of the King, but the Mother of the King. Mary is the Queen Mother. When a poor peasant only has some bruised fruits which are not worthy to be offered to a king, he turns to the Queen Mother; who in turn puts the bruised fruit on a platter and adorns it with such graces that it becomes fit for a king. Hence our Mother Mary, helps us to offer our meager offerings and makes them acceptable to our Lord and King.
Isn’t it wonderful to have someone so accepting to be by our side, and to help us gain graces and audiences with the King? I don’t know about you, but I want to be as close to Mary as possible; I want to be led by her, my hand in hers and have her lead me towards Jesus, my Lord, and my God.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)
Prayer: My most loving Lord, please grant us the grace to consecrate ourselves to You through Mary, our Mother, whom You have graciously given to us as a guiding light.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for redeeming us through Jesus, Your Beloved Son, for giving us Mary as our Mother and the many saints to intercede for us.
OXYGEN 
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