Today’s Gospel show a great dichotomy. Some in Ancient Israel question Jesus’ every move, even asserting that he is able to heal the sick only by the power of the Devil. Others try to test him, asking for more signs, not satisfied by what they already see. But, others see the good in what Jesus does; they 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 and no ambiguity as to whether we are a disciple of Christ or not. The choice is ours to follow Jesus or not. Are we for him or are we against him? Not to choose is itself a choice. If we are not choosing Jesus, then we are 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 brings us closer to her son. Today’s memorial is devoted to the Blessed Mother: Our Lady of the Rosary. Pope Pius V established a coalition of forces the Christian kingdoms in Europe 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. This victory was attributed to the prayers offered to the Blessed Mother through praying of the rosary. Today’s celebration invites all of us to reflect upon the mysteries of Christ that we pray in 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 dedicated to Mary and to the Respect for Life as a part of our Catholic faith. Indeed, a Respect for Life and the Blessed Mother are so appropriate to celebrate in the same month, since Mary never receives any honor or accolades for her own sake. Mary 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment