In Jesus Christ, God has entered our world in human flesh like our own, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the yes of the Virgin Mary. She is called Theotokos - Mother of God.
But there is more! Mary is my mother too, bringing me to birth as a new Christ-person. On the Calvary-road Mary looked into the eyes of God's Child, whose body was being torn, burdened abused and put to death. And as Mary contemplated his suffering face she contemplated mine too, and every face distorted with tears, horror, sorrow, abuse and injustice. She sees me still in the pain I have suffered and any pain or sorrow I may have caused.
In 1531, at Mexico City, the Virgin Mary Guadalupe said to Juan Diego:
"Am I not here who am your mother! Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need? Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain."
Read Mary's words again, then, a little silence
Our Father Who art in Heaven...
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
