From Queen of the Miraculous Medal School to Ave Maria University, Mary has always been quietly present in the background of my faith journey. Even at the moment I was named Chloe Grace Pryson, Mary the Mediatrix of All Graces, had her hand on my life. It wasn’t until I studied Mariology under Dr. Mark Miravalle at Ave Maria that I began to truly understand Mary’s profound role in the Church and in my life.
Mary desires to be taken into our hearts. To understand this first, we must reflect on Calvary: “When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, 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 to his own home.” (John 19:26–27) When Jesus gave Mary to John, He gave His perfect mother to all of humanity. St. John took Mary into his home, and we are called to follow in his footsteps by taking Mary into our own hearts.
While growing up, whenever I visited a friend’s home, I always enjoyed getting the chance to speak with their parents. In college, It was even more special to get to know the families and parents of those that I had become close with. Meeting the families of those we love helps us to love more deeply, because it allows us to know the people we care about in a fuller way. This is similar to our relationship with Mary and Jesus. When we come to know Mary more and ask for her intercession to her Son, we receive a beautiful opportunity: to know Jesus through the eyes of His Mother.
Think about the story Jesus shares in this Sunday’s Gospel, “After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’”(Luke 12: 25) This emphasizes our need for a personal relationship with Jesus. This is not a relationship where we see Him just on Sundays, or hear things about Him, but one where we truly know Him. Jesus wants us to know Him, to rely on Him, and to allow Him to walk beside us in our daily lives.
If we allow Jesus to walk with us, then when we knock on His door, He will answer. And if we also open our hearts to His Mother, then I imagine that when we knock on Jesus’ door, not only will He open it, but there will be a home-cooked meal from Mary waiting for us at the kitchen table. Mary is the spiritual Mother of the whole world, and it is important that we allow her to bring our needs to her Son.
Jesus’ public ministry began because Mary brought the needs of the couple at the wedding feast at Cana to Him. “When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, how does your concern af ect me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servers, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’” (John 2:3-6) We all know what happens next. Jesus responded to the need His mother brought to Him. He turned water into wine all because Mary interceded on behalf of the couple. Allow Our Mother to know your needs. Let her bring them to her Son. And when she does, “Do whatever He tells you.”
Looking to learn more about Mary? Here are two short books I highly recommend!
- 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley
2. Meet Your Mother: A Brief Introduction to Mary by Mark Miravalle