Mary interceding for the unity of the flock

The month of May reminds us of Mary and her flowering virtues expressed in the devotion ‘Flores de Mayo’. Little children are taught by catechists the basics of religion, bible stories, and prayers particularly the rosary, hymns, and overall the truth about Mary and practices dedicated to the Mother of God. It behooves us therefore to reflect on her–blessed among women, and blessed the fruit of her womb. Mary is the sure way to the heart of her Son Jesus the Good Shepherd, interceding for us to the “one Mediator between God and humankind” (1 Tim 2:5). All prayers to the Father must go through him. Mary too prays to the Father in Jesus’ name.

Mary assumed into heaven is a resurrected saint; as a member of the Body of Christ, she, too, offers our prayers before the Throne of Grace. In the early centuries those who heard from the apostles believed in the intercession of Mary, as St. Irenaeus wrote: “Mary was persuaded to obey God, that the Virgin Mary might become advocate of the virgin Eve” (Against Heresies 5:19:1). “With the Mediator, you are the Mediatrix of the entire world” (St. Ephraem, Syri opera graeca et latine, v.3, 373 A.D.). “The Lord said to his mother, ‘Let your heart rejoice and be glad, for every favor and every gift has been given to you from my Father in heaven and from me and from the Holy Spirit. Every soul that calls upon your shall find mercy and comfort and support and confidence in the presence of my Father in the heavens, John the Theologian, The Falling Asleep of Mary; 400 A.D.).

A biblical example of Mary’s intercession is at the wedding feast in Cana (Jn 2:1-11). Jesus helped the young couple because his Mother interceded for them. As she did on earth, she continues to do in heaven, before her Son who listens to her requests. Likewise the saints in heaven intercede for us who are members of the Body of Christ. When staying with John the Beloved, Mary too joined the ecumenical communities of Jews, Samaritans and pagan converts who sought to deepen their faith in Jesus, sent by the Father who wishes that all should be brothers and sisters (Jn 15:12-14,17). Let us pray the Rosary daily and renew our consecration to Jesus through Mary for the unity of all Catholics as one flock under one Shepherd, striving to live life to the full (cf. Jn 10:10). We pray: Oh Mary, First Disciple and Woman centered in God, Queen of peace, we entrust our lives to you. Inspire us to act justly, walk humbly and to revere all God has made that we may attain fraternal unity and lasting peace. Amen.