Reflections

A Reflection by Bishop James Moore
St Jude's Church, Farmington, New Mexico

 In its simplest form, the May crowning involves putting a statue of Mary on a pedestal, singing some hymns, and placing a garland of flowers on her head. Other floral tributes are then laid at her feet, and the shrine is kept going all May with fresh flowers.

 Catholics do not worship Mary.  They do show her great respect and honor for her role in salvation history; however, the Bible is clear about this. We worship God alone. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Him alone shall you adore no other.

 The month of May is traditionally dedicated to Mary in many cultures. May is considered the season of the beginning of new life.  The church recognizes the Blessed Virgin Mary as a perfect example of a Christian way of life, filled with deep faith and true love for all people. Mary is honored because of her courage and willingness to obey God, she is also the epitome of motherhood. She is someone Catholics frequently turn to in time of crisis or stress.

 As a child each and every one of us picked the dandelion or pansy or what ever flower we could find in spring and brought it to our mothers as a gift.  These flowers were given with the most sincere love.  These gifts were brought to the woman who kissed cheeks and made us laugh, the mother who dried our tears, held us tight and listened to our fears.  These gifts were brought to honor our mothers.  We crown the Blessed Mother to show honor and love for Mary, Jesus’ mother and our mother.   We were taught to pray the Angelus.

 Motherhood often gets a bum wrap.  And yet motherhood is perhaps the most important vocation in the world.  Mothers are the primary nurturers of their children. Mothers are the primary teachers of the faith. That is where faith is handed on, and that is a tremendous task that all mothers must carry with them their whole lives.  Motherhood is not easy and brings with it a tremendous burden of responsibility.  Mother’s bear that burden out of love.

 Mothers, we want to thank you.   We want to remind you of how important you are to us. How important you are to your children. How important you are to God. We want to lift you up today!