Our parish priest shared in his homily that our church is not one of membership, but of mission. In reflecting on how to be a parish community living fully in mission, I asked myself what if Mother Mary were a parishioner in my church? How would we orient our service, our liturgy, and our outreach with Mary being a part of it all?
Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a way to understand how her whole heart is oriented fully to God and to doing His will. Immaculate means free from blemish, so Mary’s heart is free from anything that could obstruct her from fully giving it to God.
Mary as a Model of Faith
During his homily at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington, D.C., on October 6, 1979, St. Pope John Paul II said,
“This woman of faith, Mary of Nazareth, the Mother of God, has been given to us as a model in our pilgrimage of faith. From Mary, we learn to surrender to God’s will. From Mary, we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary, we learn to love Christ, her Son and the Son of God. Mary is not only the Mother of God, but she is also the Mother of the Church as well”
The powerful reality of Mary’s love for Christ is shown in scripture. From her Fiat when she said yes to bearing the Christ child, to the moment of the crucifixion, where she walked in loving surrender with Jesus.
In this context of her supreme love, we can ask ourselves whether everything in our parish community would be ‘Mary-approved,’ meaning would it be done fully to honor God and, through honoring God, serving others fully?
Seeking a Marian Heart
But to live like this in our parish life, it is crucial to seek it in our personal lives.
Are we living a life striving to have a heart like Mary’s?
It is a difficult task. But we are not alone. Thankfully, we have Mary strengthened through her prayers.
So as we continue on this journey, let us have our lives and parish oriented towards Christ, seeking to have a love like Mary’s,
“Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
Daniel Quintero is a stand-up comedian currently attending Mary, Mother of the Church Catholic Parish. His favorite motto: “Awkwardness does not exist.”
Pilgrim Center of Hope provides events, experiences, and media; initiating a desire in people to encounter Jesus Christ in their daily journey of life. See what’s happening & let us journey with you! Visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org.
