As we continue to Rejoice in the Easter celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, it might be an idea to reflect on Mary’s central role in Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection, and also what this should mean for Marian Action.
It was Mary, of course, who stood by the cross of Jesus, bringing Him the consolation of her love, after most of His friends had deserted Him. As Mary stood there, no doubt in unspeakable agony, did her mind maybe go back to that day when the angel appeared to her, with the commission to be the mother of Jesus? She may have thought then that she would be the mother of sorrows.
This incident, of course, is recalled on a daily basis by Marian Action in our Angelus, and sometimes during Lent, I picture Mary at the foot of the Cross when I say the Angelus, wondering what Mary’s feelings would be as she thinks back to the Annunciation, whether she may feel that their hopes have come to a sad end.
Jesus Himself, of course, might give her a clue to His plans when He appoints her as the mother of the Church – and so, all members of the Church will be given to her intercession, but let’s remember that both have a special love for the poor – and so, the homeless and marginalised people to whom we minister, will be given special blessings through her intercession – and by extension, blessings will be given to members of Marian Action, who minister to them – and we can also be confident that Mary will intercede for us in discernment for the future.
If Mary suffered unspeakable agony at the foot of the Cross, what incredible joy must she have felt when her Son appeared to her, in His glorious Risen state? As both of them no doubt greatly praised God for this, both of them knew that the message of the Resurrection had to be proclaimed throughout the world – so, Mary now had to be with the apostles, preparing them for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
And this apostolic mission continues to this day – Easter reminds us of not only the importance of bringing the joy and peace of Jesus to all peoples at all times, but also the central role which we must give to His mother in our mission of love.
I think it’s fair to say that we’ve always marked Easter in some ways throughout the years of our ministry, starting with ensuring we gave out creme eggs at our bingo nights, with a big Easter egg as the star prize, in the 90s, we started having an Easter buffet with hard boiled eggs, chicken, sausage rolls, etc., and more recently, as we have been organising our lunches, we have always made sure to have an Easter themed event round about now.