05/08/2021

Today the Church commemorates the great basilica dedicated to Our Lady. It is a magnificent work of human hands; awe-inspiring in its grandeur. It is as nothing compared to the new Jerusalem seen iin St John's vision. These great churches in Rome are a direct contact with the Roman Empire where Jesus walked and St Paul claimed its privileges. They were not standing at that time but the Buildings of the Roman Empire have been used as quarries by all subsequent generations.

The building is still to be seen but the Feast of the Church is about the Mother of God. She was chosen before the beginning of time to be the Carrier of God in the incarnation of the Son. It is through her that we are shown the mystery of the Trinity which is not some "human thinking", it is what God wants us to know about himself and to contemplate. 

The veneration of Mary is misunderstood by many theologians. How can we forget the "womb that bore the embryo which is the unimaginable humility of our God" and the body which was the source of nourishment for our spiritual food,  his flesh and blood? Peter is the foundation stone of the Church but Mary is the Chosen Source not only of the humanity of the Son but also of our Church. "Be it done to me according thy Word" can equally be seen as the acceptance, at the foot of the cross, via St John  of the Motherhood of humanity bestowed on her through the power of the Holy Spirit by her Son who was face to face with death.

Dear Lord I know that your mother Mary is able to plead for me with you in heaven; please accept my prayers and hers as I  start this day.