When you wish your Mom a 'Happy Mother's Day', also remember that Mary is there for us to spread her motherly affection for the world.
When I was 5 or 6 years old, I was playing outside and cut my finger. I don’t remember how but, I do remember it wasn’t a very serious cut. Never the less, in my childhood, it was a major and serious wound. And like any young child would do, I began to cry. My mother heard me and came outside to see what was happening. Seeing my finger, she told me to just wait a minute while she went into the house. A couple of minutes later, she reappeared with Bactine (remember that stuff) and a Band-Aid. She sprayed the cut with the Bactine and put the Band-Aid on, gave me a kiss, and sent me back to play. Mom had taken care of me and all was right with the world.
Right up until the day she died 12 years ago, Mom was there for me. Even as an adult, she could still put a Band-Aid on my wounds, give me a kiss, and send me back to play in the game of life. She was there for counsel and advice and of course a great meal. For many of us, our mothers are a rock and source of strength and comfort. So, when Mom passed away, it was difficult for me. But, I was not alone…
We Have Our Mother Mary
For those of us who don’t have a good relationship with their mothers; for those of us whose mothers have passed away; those of us whose mothers live too far away to see regularly; for those who never knew their mothers, we still have a Mom who loves and cares for us. We have our mother Mary. Yes, she’s our mother too. We are all part of God’s family: Jesus is our brother and Mary is our mother. Mary is there to intercede for us; to ask her Son to answer our prayers.
When I was a kid, if I wanted to go play at Richie’s house, I had to ask my mother and she would call and ask Richie’s mother if it was OK. The same for Tommy’s mother, and Dennis’ mother, and all the mothers on our street. Whenever we needed or wanted anything, we had to ask our mothers. And when I went over to Richie’s or Tommy’s or Dennis’ house, the first thing I did when I walked in the door was to say hello to their mother; the last thing I did when I left to go home was to say goodbye to their mother. It was a sign of respect.
It’s not much different today. It just makes sense to me that if I want to hang out with my friend and brother Jesus, I need to acknowledge and show respect for His mother; our mother. We don’t have to make things so complicated. Mary is Jesus mother and she’s our heavenly mother. And she’s there to help us, to intercede for us, and to care for us when we need her.
A Month of Mary
The month of May is recognized as the month of Mary. It’s a time when we should think about how our heavenly mother is there for us. It’s a time to consider how much she loves us. It’s a time when we should ask her to intercede for us with her Son. And it’s a time when we should turn to her for counsel and advice. Because after all, sometimes, you just need to talk to your mom.
May God bless you and your family (especially your mothers) abundantly.
Deacon Mike Ficorilli
St. Andrew’s RC Church, Tonawanda, NY
WNY Catholic Men’s Fellowship