POPE FRANCIS: MARY, THE STAIRWAY GOD TOOK
TO DESCEND AND DRAW NEAR TO US.
Pope Francis, in his yesterday’s homily before a huge crowd at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, reminded the young people in age and in heart of Our Lady’s central role in the God’s plan of saving the humanity. He said:
Mary “is the STAIRWAY GOD TOOK TO DESCEND AND
DRAW NEAR TO US. SHE IS THE CLEAREST SIGN OF THE FULLNESS OF TIME.
In the life of Mary we admire that littleness that God loves, for he “looked upon the humility of his servant”, and “lifted up the lowly” (Lk 1:48, 52). He was so pleased with her that he let his flesh be woven from hers, so that the Virgin became the Mother of God, as an ancient hymn, sung for centuries, proclaims. To you who uninterruptedly come to her…may she continue to point the way. May she help you to weave in your own lives the humble and simple thread of the Gospel.
At Cana, as here in Jasna Góra,
MARY OFFERS US HER NEARNESS AND HELPS US TO DISCOVER WHAT WE NEED TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL. Now as then, she does this with a mother’s love, by her presence and counsel, TEACHING US TO AVOID HASTY DECISIONS AND GRUMBLING IN OUR COMMUNITIES. AS THE MOTHER OF A FAMILY, SHE WANTS TO KEEP US TOGETHER. Through unity, the journey of your people has surmounted any number of harsh experiences. MAY THE MOTHER, WHO STOOD STEADFAST AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS AND PERSEVERED IN PRAYER WITH THE DISCIPLES IN AWAITING THE HOLY SPIRIT, OBTAIN FOR YOU THE DESIRE TO LEAVE BEHIND ALL PAST WRONGS AND WOUNDS, AND TO BUILD FELLOWSHIP WITH ALL, WITHOUT EVER YIELDING TO THE TEMPTATION TO WITHDRAW OR TO DOMINEER.
At Cana, Our Lady showed great realism.
SHE IS A MOTHER WHO TAKES PEOPLE’S PROBLEMS TO HEART AND ACTS. SHE RECOGNIZES MOMENTS OF DIFFICULTY AND HANDLES THEM DISCREETLY, EFFICIENTLY AND DECISIVELY. SHE IS NEITHER IMPERIOUS NOR INTRUSIVE, BUT A MOTHER AND A HANDMAID. Let us ask for the GRACE TO IMITATE HER SENSITIVITY AND HER CREATIVITY IN SERVING THOSE IN NEED, AND TO KNOW HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS TO SPEND OUR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS, WITHOUT FAVOURITES OR DISTINCTIONS.
MAY MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY, WHO BRINGS PEACE AMID THE PROFUSION OF SIN AND THE TURMOIL OF HISTORY, OBTAIN FOR US THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND ENABLE US TO BE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS.”
Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Mother of God and Handmaid of the Lord, pray for us so we may strive daily to spend our lives in the service of God, His Church and of all souls. Amen.
Fr. Rolly A., priest of Opus Dei.