Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Undoubtedly, Mary is honored throughout the year. However, two months that direct our attention to the Blessed Mother more than others are May and October. October is the month of the Most Holy Rosary, a powerful prayer that is the go-to private prayer of choice for most Catholics. May, of course, is the other month because it draws all of Our Lady’s children to recognize her unique role as Mother, uniting us to her Son.

On Sunday, which was Mother’s Day, we celebrated a prayerful tribute to Our Lady at the Marian Shrine, located in Milwaukee. It was a reminder for all of us of the importance of Mary’s role in salvation history. For Catholics, her importance is indisputable. Her fiat, her yes to God’s invitation to be the Mother of her Son, changed the course of human history. The abiding trust that she had in God’s will is an example for all of us, teaching us to invite God into all of the difficult choices we must face in our lives.

A mother knows her child; it is one of the strongest bonds among humans.  I have often been amazed being in the presence of a mother when she hears her child’s cries. She can instantly tell if the cry is one of frustration or one of physical hurt, allowing her to respond appropriately. A mother can tell immediately what the child needs by the physical behavior she observes in the child (hungry, sleepy, or even needing the bathroom).

The Gospel on Sunday, which was proclaimed by Fr. Timothy Kitzke, was the story of the wedding feast in Cana. It is one of my favorite passages. This passage contains the last words recorded in Scripture spoken by Mary. The words could not be more profound: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). Mary always draws us to her Son. One of the great titles bestowed on Mary, which was given to her at the end of the Second Vatican Council, was Mary, Mother of the Church. It is obvious to me that Mary keeps us focused on her Son and the Church, the bride of her Son.

I am always amazed at the wisdom of my mother. Though my mother passed away almost 20 years ago, her voice still echoes in my mind when I approach difficult decisions. She would say, “Invite God into the problem through prayer and remember, doing the right thing might be difficult, but it is the only way to respect the will of God in our actions.” Our Lady’s words resonate: “Do whatever he tells you.”

My prayer this month is for all the mothers who read this LOA, and for those mothers who have gone to their rest in God. I offer in thanksgiving to God all of the mothers who shaped the words of Jesus in our lives and showed us how to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the May 11, 2021 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.