Pope: During pandemic, Mary is close to those who die alone
She is the woman of the 'yes', mother and disciple of Jesus, but not co-redemptrix. A prayer for the victims of terrorism in Niger. A thought for the floods in Australia. "Like and more than any good mother, Mary defends us in danger, she worries about us, even when we are caught up in our own things and lose the sense of the path, and we endanger not only our health but our salvation".
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Prayer with Mary - woman of the 'yes', mother and disciple of Jesus, but not co-redemptrix - was the topic of which Pope Francis spoke at today's general audience held in the library of Apostolic Palace. Mary who “was and is present in the days of the pandemic, close to the people who unfortunately ended their earthly journey in a condition of isolation, without the comfort of the closeness of their loved ones. Mary is always there, with her maternal tenderness”.
Francis' meditation sprung from the consideration that "the main path of Christian prayer is the humanity of Jesus. In fact, the typical confidence of Christian prayer would be meaningless if the Word had not become incarnate, giving us his filial relationship, with the Father in the Spirit”. Jesus, he added, “is the Mediator, the bridge we cross to turn to the Father (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2674). He is the only redeemer, there are no co-redeemers, he is the only mediator ".
"From the one mediation of Christ - he reiterated - Christians find another reference for prayer and devotion to him in the Virgin Mary. She occupies a privileged place in life and, therefore, also in the Christian's prayer, because she is the Mother of Jesus. The Eastern Churches have often depicted her as the Hodegetria, the one who 'points the way', that is, to the Son. Jesus Christ".
"In Christian iconography her presence is everywhere, sometimes even in great prominence, but always in relation to the Son and in function of him. Her hands, her eyes, her attitude are a living 'catechism' and always signal the hinge, the centre: Jesus. Mary is totally turned to him (cf. CCC, 2674), to the point that we can say that she is more disciple than mother, she is the first disciple”.
"This is the role that Mary has occupied throughout her earthly life and which she retains forever: she is the humble handmaid of the Lord. Nothing more. At a certain point, in the Gospels, she seems to almost disappear; but she returns in crucial moments, as in Cana, when the Son, thanks to his thoughtful intervention, made the first 'sign' (cf. Jn 2: 1-12), and then on Golgotha, at the foot of the cross. Jesus extended Mary's motherhood to the whole Church when he entrusted his most loved disciple to her, shortly before dying on the cross. From that moment on, we are all placed under her mantle, as can be seen in certain medieval frescoes or paintings”. “As a mother, not as a goddess, not as a co-redemptrix”.
"And so we began to pray to her with some expressions addressed to her, present in her Gospels: 'full of grace', 'blessed among women' (cf. CCC, 2676f.). The title 'Theotokos', 'Mother of God', sanctioned by the Council of Ephesus, would soon become rooted in the Hail Mary prayer. And, similarly to the Our Father, after the praise we add the supplication: we ask the Mother to pray for us sinners, so that she may intercede with her tenderness, 'now and at the hour of our death'. Now, in the concrete situations of life, and in the final moment, to accompany us in the passage to eternal life. Mary is always present at the bedside of her children who leave this world. If someone finds himself alone and abandoned, she is close there, as she was next to her Son when everyone had abandoned him ".
“The prayers addressed to her are not in vain. Woman of the 'yes', who readily accepted the Angel's invitation, she also responds to our pleas, listens to our voices, even those that remain locked within our heart, that do not have the strength to emerge but that God knows better than ourselves. Like and more than any good mother, Mary defends us in danger, she worries about us, even when we are caught up in our things and lose the sense of the path, and we endanger not only our health but our salvation. Mary is there, praying for us, praying for those who do not pray. Because she is our Mother”.
Before concluding the meeting, Francis turned his thoughts to Niger and Australia. First the "recent terrorist attacks in Niger, which resulted in the death of 137 people".
"Let us pray - his words - for the victims, their families and the entire population, so that the violence suffered does not cause confidence in the path of democracy, justice and peace to be lost".
Then "the great floods" that occurred in the state from New South Wales, Australia: “I am close to the people and families affected by this calamity, especially to those who have seen their homes destroyed. I encourage the people who are doing their utmost to search for the missing and bring help”.
Finally, the hope that today's World Day for the Fight against Tuberculosis "can foster a renewed impulse in the treatment of this disease and increased solidarity with those who suffer from it".
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