By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“From now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).
There is so much to love about the month of May! The Church dedicates this month to the Blessed Mother because her “yes” to new life is the reason for our salvation. I am often asked why Catholics pray to Mary. The conversation begins with, “Where does it say to pray to Mary in the Bible?”
This concern about Mary among some believers is nothing new. The answer to the query is easy to explain with 2,000 years of salvation history. The scripture narrative in the Old and New Testaments is filled with prophecies and the fulfillment of the New Adam and the New Eve — the Incarnate Jesus and His Mother, Mary.
The announcement from the Archangel Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38, begins with the favor of Mary, chosen by the Father to give life to the Savior of the world. Mary also played a role at the Wedding Feast of Cana in John 2:1-11, which records Jesus’ first earthly miracle and the importance of obedience to God and the sanctity of marriage. Jesus’ final concern before dying on the cross was for his Mother. John, the beloved, was tasked with caring for Mary on earth. The Blessed Mother’s love from heaven is given to all humanity with the opportunity to intercede in prayer to her son.
Sacred Scripture tells us that from conception by the power of the Holy Spirit to human crucifixion and death, God’s plan was for us … to Jesus through Mary. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
We celebrate motherhood in May, and this honor is never taken for granted. I’ve been a mom for 49 years, and each day holds a treasured memory! This Mother’s Day provided a special occasion for me to appreciate my memories. I attended a luncheon with my Mom in a memory care house at Ketcham Memorial in Odon, Indiana. The staff prepared a beautiful setting for the residents to enjoy their families. As I sat around the table engaging in conversation with other people attending, I began to realize how precious it is to love our mothers in every phase of life. Stories were told with gratitude about the sacrifices made by the moms.
I understand why God commanded us to honor and obey our parents, to love unconditionally and forgive all shortcomings. Life is filled with ups and downs, and in our human weakness, there may be good reasons for a broken relationship with family or friends, but when the realities of life set in … just love!
I believe each mom enjoyed the memories shared at the luncheon, but they became fleeting thoughts. I hope the sentiments will never be forgotten by those in attendance. Everything about life becomes a story, and I pray your story creates a loving memory to pass down to others. Every generation is blessed by the gift of life from a mother — in kind, be there for them when they need you. Thank your mom and create some memories to fill her soul with grace and love. If Christ is in you, all things will be made new! Amen!