Lent is a 40-day journey that leads Christians to the Easter Triduum, that is the memorial of Christ’s Passion, death and Resurrection. The Dogmatic Constitution about the Church, Lumen Gentium, presents Mary as “the mother of the members of Christ...having cooperated by charity that faithful might be born in the Church, who are members of that Head. Wherefore she is hailed as a pre-eminent and singular member of the Church and as its type and excellent exemplar in faith and charity” (§ 53). As the mother of all Christ’s followers how does Mary guide us during Lent?
She simply comes to a heart that wants to love her.- Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap, San Ġwann
The narrative of the wedding feast at Cana gives us the answer. Noticing that “the wine failed” (John 2, 3), Mary interceded for those in need. “They have no wine” (John 2, 3), she told Jesus. When her faith was tested by her Son, she simply and humbly acknowledged his almighty power and authority. “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2, 5). Her unshakable faith earned mercy for those newly weds. Moreover, her unwavering trust in the Father’s plan of salvation, which made her “stand by the cross of [her Son] Jesus” (John 19, 25), attained for her the motherhood of the redeemed. “Woman, behold, your son!” (John 19, 26).
That is why St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother wrote: “Love Mary! She is loveable, faithful, constant. She will never let herself be outdone in love but will ever remain supreme. If you are in danger, she will hasten to free you. If you are troubled, she will console you. If you are sick, she will bring you relief. If you are in need, she will help you. She does not look to see what kind of person you have been. She simply comes to a heart that wants to love her. She comes quickly and opens her merciful heart to you, embraces you and consoles and serves you. She will even be at hand to accompany you on the trip to eternity.”
Mary is a formidable companion to Christ, her Son. Under her maternal gaze rest assured that you are “walk[ing] before God in the light of life” (Ps 56, 13).