Homily for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Those who have grown up in the Catholic faith have always understood Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to be our Blessed Mother. Today's Gospel highlights when Jesus proclaimed her the Mother of the Church. 

As the Church's Mother, Mary plays a vital role in our relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. She answered God the Father's call during her encounter with the angel Gabriel. She gave birth to and raised Jesus, His Son, and was present at the original Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Church's first leaders.

When she stood at the foot of the Cross, just moments before her Son died, Jesus declared her to be not only the Mother of His beloved disciple but also the Mother of all His disciples—essentially, the Mother of the Church.

As members of the Church, may we live out our faith as our Blessed Mother did. Let us be guided by her example and rely on her heavenly intercession.