Pentecost

Today reflecting on the first Pentecost I find myself where I do so often when I meditate on this Glorious mystery of the Rosary – the descent of the Holy Spirit. What was Mary’s role here, in the upper room?

She had received the Holy Spirit at the Annunciation with her fiat, and manifested Christ Jesus to the world as no one else ever could or would. I also believe she received the gifts of the Spirit at that time.

Think about the courage, fortitude and faith she needed to say yes and know that saying yes could cost her her marriage, her friends and her life. Yet Mary’s response was “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me” Her trust in God was unconditional, oh, that I could have that kind of trust!

So back to the first Pentecost and why was Mary there? Consider how cowardly most of the Apostles had been. Who were the only ones to accompany Jesus through His entire passion and death? Mary never showed any fear no matter what was asked of her.

How open were Apostles throughout the Gospels? How many times did they just not get it? Mary didn’t flinch if she didn’t get it, she knew and trusted in God and His ways. She knew He had a reason.

Mary is there to teach the Apostles how to be open and receptive to the Holy Spirit. She is there to help push them out of their comfort zone and to assure them there truly is a reason. She is there to show them to trust.

Mary is there too, because she is the Mother of the Church. As the mother, she had to be there at the birth of the Church.

We can all go to Mary. Ask her to show us how to be receptive to the Holy Spirit. Ask her to show us how to trust in God’s plan. Ask her to show us how to use the gifts of the Spirit to manifest her Son to the world.

Mary, Queen of the Apostles,

Mary, Mother of the Church,

Mary, Mother of God,

Mary, Queen of Martyrs,

Pray for us!