Mary, Our Mother

The magnificent Mother of God, Mary Most Holy. She was chosen by God Almighty to be the mother of our Lord Jesus. If I just take some time to ponder Mary, her greatness comes more into focus. (ref. Gospel of Luke, Chapters 1-3)

Several weeks ago I was having an MRI… not one of my favorite pastimes. It wasn’t too bad…only 17 minutes versus the 45 minutes of past MRI’s. I was doing pretty well despite my nose itching. At one point I was feeling myself getting a bit nervous, not terrible, but something. Then, I heard (not out loud) this beautiful and peaceful and kind and loving voice…. somehow I knew it was my mother Mary…the Blessed Mother. She asked me how I was doing. I said, pretty good. I don’t remember precisely the conversation in terms of words spoken. I just remember the kindness of the voice. It wasn’t dramatic or loud…it was soft but not too soft. There was no music in the background, other than the loud noise of the MRI. I didn’t cry or get overly excited. It just made me peaceful and I knew all would be well. She stayed with me for awhile. It was so peaceful. I knew that while she was with me, I would be okay. 

I didn’t tell anyone about the experience except my wife Judy. I can’t prove it was the Blessed Mother. I don’t absolutely know it was her. Yet every time I think of the experience, I get peaceful and feel that she’s with me, to help me. I know she loves me and is proud of me…. as mothers tend to be of their children.

It’s funny that despite efforts over the years, I’ve never felt a real close relationship with Mary. I was baptized on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. I say the rosary. I’ve read and studied about her. I’ve visited Lourdes in France and believe I was healed of a seizure disorder when I went into the baths there. I’ve read about Fatima and done the First Saturdays. I’ve sung the Marian hymns since grade school. I believe the dogmas of the Church regarding Mary. I had a sense that Mary was in the room when my mother was dying back in 1996 in our home … all of this and more, but no heartfelt devotions.

Yet now, I think about her and am confident that she loves me and is caring for me as my mother, and will be there at the hour of my death. 

Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. I guess she’s been praying for me for a long time even though I wasn’t fully aware of it. Maybe it’s the same for you. So, keep your eyes open, the Blessed Mother may want to chat with you. If she does, it may not be dramatic but I think you’ll know it’s her.  For me, I’m very grateful for the experience, which seems to be continuing. 

As a postscript, just pause and think of how greatly God must think of our Blessed Mother. He entrusted his only begotten son to her motherly care. She must be the most wonderful and holy and beautiful and loving person in all of creation. We are so blessed to call her our mother.