Mother Knows Best

PATRICK ERNST ’26, DIOCESE OF FORT WAYNE-SOUTH BEND

It is often said that “mother knows best.” A saying sure, but when lived, welcomes domestic rest. Mother to mother, this theme rings true. Though when adhered to as Mother, Radiates a brilliant new hue.

A hue, sometimes white, but often blue, Enfolds the One who makes all things new. Wrapped under mantle secure and warm, The first Eucharistic procession. In simplicity though with beauty adorned.

Into the hill country does Mother go, To another mother whose child, the forerunner, we know. Leaps for joy at the sight of Mother, But whose joy proclaims, if not more, The arrival of Another.

Ah! Such an arrival, how must it have been, To experience that joy, as if it were then. But this joy is for all, not only some, For the One whom Mother bore, Our salvation, at each Mass he comes.

How can this be? It seems to make no sense, But eyes of faith pierce through, and only then can commence, A love without end, a love stronger than death. A love that we may know, this is our quest, But why not start with Mother? She always knows best.

Annunciation

Rev. Mr. Steven Vetter ’23, Diocese of Bismarck

The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated every year on March 25th, exactly nine months before the birth of Christ at Christmas. The Feast commemorates the angel Gabriel’s “announcement” to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would conceive and be the mother of the incarnate Son of God. Mary responds faithfully and humbly, fiat (let it be done). When we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, we follow Mary’s example and in our own humble way say, AMEN (so be it)!

Visitation

Rev. Mr. Daniel Scanlan ’23, Diocese of Venice

Mary, our loving mother, models for us the attitude we are called to live following our reception of Jesus in the Eucharist. In her visitation to Elizabeth, after Mary receives Jesus in the Annunciation, she goes in "haste" to Elizabeth who is in need during her pregnancy. As Elizabeth was in need, so are all those around us. The Church calls us to go in "haste" upon receiving Jesus in the Eucharist to share and be witnesses of his love to others: "Go forth, glorifying the Lord by your life."

Nativity

Rev. Mr. Joseph Lapeyrouse ’23, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

After hearing the good news from the Angel of the Lord, the shepherds “found” and encountered the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Receiving the news of the angel with a true and sincere faith, they were able to receive Jesus themselves through an encounter with the Holy Family. Imagine the conversation they could have had with Mary who may have further confirmed that Jesus truly is the Lord. Mary and Joseph invite others to encounter Jesus—we can likewise encounter Jesus in the Eucharist and be fed by Him.