The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
The Blessed Virgin Mary has been given the title of Mother of the Church since she gave birth to Christ, the Head of the Church, and she became the Mother of the redeemed people before her Son had given up the spirit on the Cross. Pope Paul VI solemnly confirmed the title in an address to the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council on 21 November 1964 and decreed that the whole Christian people should, by the use of this beautiful title, give still greater honour to the Mother of God.
‘The joyous veneration given to the Mother of God by the contemporary Church, in light of reflection on the mystery of Christ and on his nature, cannot ignore the figure of a woman (cf. Gal 4:4), the Virgin Mary, who is both the Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church. In some ways, this was already present in the mind of the Church from the premonitory words of Saint Augustine and Saint Leo the Great. In fact, the former says that Mary is the mother of the members of Christ, because with charity, she cooperated in the rebirth of the faithful into the Church, while the latter says that the birth of the Head is also the birth of the body, thus indicating that Mary is at once Mother of Christ, the Son of God, and mother of the members of his Mystical Body, which is the Church’ (Decree of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship).
– Universalis
Gen 3:9-15,20
Jn 19:25-34
“It is accomplished.”
There are times where I wonder how authors like J.K. Rowling and JRR Tolkien come up with their story lines. The ability to develop a story arc for each of the individuals is indeed testimony to their creativity. It is my belief that in the salvation history which God has planned for Man, every incident and episode is not an accident but a manifestation of God’s glory to exhibit Himself to everyone.
Jesus knew that the apostles needed a spiritual guide on how to deepen their faith. He gave His Mother to the early Church to enable each one to see an exemplar of faith and patient forbearance amidst the struggles of life. Mother Mary illustrated how, in the midst of the demands of life, a serene and faith-filled response will always be the best example for us as Christians.
As Mother of the Church, she remains, for each one of us, an example of faith amidst the demands and struggles of life. The modern life has high expectations and is often stressful. Stress comes from the uncertainty which life presents us, or perhaps, it is the overwhelming expectations made on each of us. In all our actions, we have, for our guidance and role model, Mother Mary — who never stops praying for us and with us. As we continue with the mission which Jesus has given us, may we never hesitate to continue to pray unceasingly for us to respond generously to God’s plan.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)
Prayer: Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks to all who continue to remain faithful to Mary.
OXYGEN 
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