Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
John 19:25-26
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, 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 into his home.
At 32 years old AJ Reyes graduated college with a degree in nursing. Like many graduates AJ's family proudly attended his graduation. Also in attendance was the mother of AJ's heart Mary Knauer. Aj's heart used to belong to Mary's son Justin. When AJ was just 25 years old he needed a heart transplant in order to live. After Justin's motorcycle accident AJ got a second chance at life. Over the years AJ and Mary have grown close and while she admits there will always be a hole in her life it was good to see her son's heart walk across the graduation stage.
Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost, when the Church received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Today we celebrate Mary as the Mother of the Church. When Jesus spoke those words from the cross it was not a simple commandment to look after her. It was Jesus transplanting his ministry into His disciples. Can you imagine Mother Mary's reaction when she saw the Holy Spirit come down to fill the followers of her Son with courage and strength to carry out His mission? As the Church we are now called to carry Jesus to the world. And Mother Mary is there beaming with pride as we carry her on son's life work.
