Mary, Mother of Jesus, Pray for Us!

Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1: 41-42)

The simple, yet majestic way that Jesus came into this world through the Blessed Virgin Mary is embodied in the Gospel infancy narratives. Entering not like a strong and heavy wind rending mountains and crushing rocks, the Lord came to us in almost a tiny whispering sound, quietly becoming like us in human form. (1 Kings 19: 11-13).

Mary couldn’t wait to tell her cousin Elizabeth of her good news. As we know, Elizabeth was also with child, who was to be John the Baptist. By leaping in the womb of Elizabeth, John was getting some practice announcing the coming of the Savior. This is another reminder why we must protect the unborn, who hold such promise as life already imbued with divine purpose, even while in the womb.

“And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Luke 1: 46-49).

Mary in her Magnificat gave praise to God for her being called to bring the Savior into the world. Her hardy acceptance required that Mary not only experience the unspeakable joys of bringing Christ to save His people, but also demanded that her heart be broken when witnessing His crucifixion and painful death.

Her deep and abiding love of her Son has served as a beacon of hope for many Christians, especially Catholics, who have high regard for Mary, not in place of Jesus, but as a shining light, pointing the way to her Son.
Dying on the cross, Jesus gave us His mother, saying to his apostle John, “Here is your mother” (John 19:27). As our heavenly mother, Our Lady is always close by, as our protector and intercessor, always illuminating our path in the direction of her Son.

Mary, Mother of Jesus, you were chosen by God to bring our Savior to us. You were chosen to experience the joys of rearing the Son of God, and chosen to have your heart broken to see His suffering and crucifixion. Yet you never complained, always saying yes to God’s plan and purpose for your life. If that wasn’t enough, you were chosen to be our own spiritual mother, caring for us and keeping us from harm. Please stay close to us this day, taking our petitions to your Son, and embracing us with your sweet love, so that we may experience the infinite love of your Son, Jesus.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us!
Mary, our Spiritual Mother, pray for us!