By Amala William, CSC –
Readings: Is 61: 9-11; Lk 11:27-28
In the first reading, God promises good tidings to the suffering people of Jerusalem, from whose slavery & oppression he would deliver them. The promise of righteousness and praise shall come forth through his elected one.
In the Gospel mother Mary was praised for her dedication and acceptance to the will of God to bring forth his son into the world. What more would a mother like to hear than this? By her son’s deed, Mary has been praised in the public. Mary’s praises cannot be constrained only with these verses, but beginning from the Annunciation event to today, in different ways she stands out as a model for each of us.
The numbers of pilgrimages we make to the shrines of Our Lady and the image we find in every house are visible signs in our time. Also, today’s Memorial celebration Our Lady of Fatima originated from the apparition of Mother Mary to the shepherd children of Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in Portuguese village of Fatima in 1917.
This apparition had a significant message to a world of violence which killed almost 6 million lives and shattered many faithful at the time. The message of Fatima included a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin and a dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, through praying the Rosary. When we go to our Blessed Mother, as sons and daughters lovingly asking her intercession and accompaniment on our journey, she says nothing but ‘yes’.