6th Sunday of Eastertide 09/05/2021 Jn 15, 9-17
In his first letter John writes, “God’s love for us was revealed when God sent into the world his only Son so that we could have life through him.” This happened when Mary agreed to give birth to Jesus, our Saviour. It was clear from the start that God wanted to work with us for our salvation.
The month of May is dedicated to Mary who is also our mother. Apart from her Fiat and the Magnificat nothing else is written about what our Lady said; but she stayed close to the Apostles and disciples. Not only did she bring Jesus to us, she has subsequently spent her time bringing us to her son, Jesus. This is a month to give thanks and glory to God for Mary, and to thank her for her continual guidance and help. But May also reminds us that we, too, have been asked to give birth to Jesus in the world. When did this happen? At our baptism in which we were made temples of the Holy Spirit like Mary and were asked to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those around us. It is only natural that we would want to bring life and love in its fullness to those we love.
John constantly reminds us that God loves us, that we are loveable, and to love our neighbour as ourselves and in the way God loves us. What better way to bring life to those we love (i.e. everybody around us) than bringing Jesus to them in the example of Mary. In fact, the more we acknowledge the presence of Jesus in our lives the more likely people will come forward just as they did when Christ was born in Bethlehem. What Mary also teaches us that we do not need to say anything, Jesus is the one who will open people’s hearts to welcome him into their lives. Remember the words often wrongly attributed to St Francis of Assisi. Preach the Gospel always. And if necessary, use words. Francis encouraged his disciples to be seen to live the Gospel before preaching it.
Malcolm Guite: Theotokos
You bore for me the One who came to bless and bear for all and make the broken whole. You heard His call and in your open ‘yes’ you spoke aloud for every living soul. Oh gracious Lady, child of your own child, whose mother-love still calls the child in me, call me again, for I am lost, and wild waves surround me now. On this dark sea shine as a star and call me to the shore. Open the door that all my sins would close and hold me in your garden. Let me share the prayer that folds the petals of the Rose. Enfold me too in Love’s last mystery and bring me to the One you bore for me.
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