Then shall you know that I, the LORD, am your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain; Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall pass through her no more.
And then, on that day, the mountains shall drip new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk;
Once again we hear a gospel referring to the Mother of Jesus, and Old Testament verses that celebrate Mother Jerusalem, dripping with wine and flowing with milk. She is blessed indeed, an earth mother of superabundance.
Catholics need not be uncomfortable with "new age" phrases like "earth mother." We see Mary in the blue of the sky and the providence of wells. She is Star of the Sea (Stella Maris) and Saint Mary of the Desert. Wherever we find the beauty of creation we recognize our Mother's providence. There is even a Queen of the Universe Basilica in Orlando, Florida, near Cape Canaveral.
Mary continually reassures her children, the disciples of Jesus. We strive for that perfection of spirit and will that Jesus shows us, to which he calls us. We fail consistently and often, seven times a day. We are often discouraged. Mary is there for us, like the morning. She does not lose faith in us because she knows how the Spirit sustained her through disappointment, tragedy and horror. Can anyone hope in God's mercy as she stands by the crucifixion of her son? In the utter darkness of that Good Friday afternoon, evening and night, the Sorrowful Mother still hoped in God. No mortal is capable of that unless she is filled by the Holy Spirit.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, contemplating the blessings God showered upon her, said she was the Holy Spirit personified. Buoyed by her love he voluntarily gave his life in a Nazi death camp to spare the life of another prisoner. In one of the most appalling circumstances in recent history he found confidence, courage and hope. As he died with the other prisoners, he led them in singing God's praises.
Remaining in the House of Mary with Jesus her son, we find the freedom to rejoice and be glad at all times.But Judah shall abide forever,and Jerusalem for all generations....The LORD dwells in Zion.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.