Today’s Gospel show a great dichotomy. There are some who question every action Jesus makes, even asserting that he is able to heal the sick only by the power of the Devil. Others try to test him, asking for other signs, not satisfied by what they already see. However, other see the good in what Jesus does and give thanks for his presence with them. At last, Jesus tells them: The one who is not with me is against me, and the one who does not gather with me scatters. There is no neutrality, no ambiguity as to whether we are a disciple of Christ or not. The choice is ours: Are we for him or against him? Not to choose is itself a choice, it is going against Christ and the values of the Gospel.
We choose to be in communion with Christ and his other disciples, with Christ and the communion of saints. From the days of Christ’s ministry, his mother Mary has been a central figure in the community of disciples, with Mary being the first disciple, the first one who believes in him and his ministry. Throughout the history of our faith, devotions have developed around Mary, the Blessed Mother who always brings us closer to Jesus. Today’s memorial on October 7 is devoted to the Blessed Mother - Our Lady of the Rosary. Pope Pius V had established a coalition of forces from Spain and other Christian kingdoms to fight the Ottoman empire. Their victory at the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571 against the Ottoman empire’s naval forces led to the establishment of today’s feast. The victory was attributed to the prayers offered to the Blessed Mother through the praying of the rosary. Today’s celebration invites all of us to reflect upon the mysteries of Christ that we pray throughout the rosary, following the example of his mother who is so uniquely associated with her son’s incarnation, ministry, passion, and resurrection.
The celebration of Our Lady of the Rosary takes place in the month of October, a month that is both dedicated to Mary and to the Respect for Life as an essential part of our Catholic faith. Indeed, a Respect for Life and the Blessed Mother are so appropriate to celebrate and honor in the same month, since Mary never receives any honor or accolades for her own sake, but rather is always trying to draw us into a more profound faith and life of discipleship with her son.
May the prayers and intercession of Mary help us on our journey of faith. May she help us choose her Son over the many other choose we have each day. May the prayers of the rosary alway touch our hearts.
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