Feast of the Holy Name of Mary
Gal 4, 4-7; Lk 1, 39-47
Whatever it is, we know when our name is being called lovingly or not. A name is unique not because there is no other name like it - Mary, Maria, Marie is probably the commonest name - or once was, anyway. But it is unique because it is attached to the person who is unique.
It is hard to say exactly what the name Mary means and over the years many saints have tried giving their interpretations. Whatever reason it was that Anne and Goachim decided to give Mary that name, we cannot tell but what we do know is what the name Mary means for us.
The Christian family always sought almost naturally to turn to Mary for help and for consolation. For us, therefore, the Holy Name of Mary is also a prayer for her intercession in times of trial, both physical as well as spiritual.
Since Mary herself passed through so many trials throughout her life here on earth from the moment of annunciation to her standing next of the cross of her Son, she knows very well what suffering is. In today's Gospel we see her serving her relative Elizabeth after vowing to the Angel that she will be the servant of the Lord.
Not only does she serve Elizabeth but she brings her the presence of God himself, and this fills Elizabeth with Joy. This is a recurrent characteristic in Mary. Recall what happens in the Marriage in Cana: as a good mother she senses that the newly-wed couple have ran out of wine - that is out of happiness - and she intercedes with Jesus to do something for them. Again we see her on the side of all those who are suffering - all those whose run has run out - and she brings back Jesus into their lives, and with Jesus, joy of God's presence.
I think of so many people whose wine has run out, and who turn to Mary to intercede for them with Jesus. Sanctuaries around the world teem with people all year round, even in our very own shrine. These are not empty devotions! Pope Francis has spoken over and over again of the importance and the richness of these devotions, which he calls popular piety. Likewise, when we are in need, Mary cannot but come to our aid, bringing us the presence of God himself. As we pray in the Hail Mary, "pray for us now and at the hour of our death!" What better devotion, what better popular piety can there be than that of praying the Rosary, reciting the name of Mary fifty times, asking her to intercede for us?
But the Popes have also always taught that Mary is also a prefiguring of the Church, a very model of the Church, the community of disciples, foreseen already in perfection. Therefore the Church, if it is to remain faithful to its model, that is to Mary, then she, the Church must never fail to do likewise.
And as we always say, when we speak of the Church, we are not speaking of the hierarchy, but of the community, you and I. We too must be sensitive to all those who require our service like Elizabeth, all those whose wine is running out, whoever they might be. And the person who needs my help, who needs my presence and most of all the love of God might be the very persons with whom I live - because it is true, charity begins at home, but also those affected by the hurricanes, or those affected by the DACA decision.
Like Mary, we too must attend to their needs in physical and practical means but also by bringing them the presence of God so that their joy may truly be complete. Like her, we are called to serve each other and to bring the presence of God to each other. If we do not do so, can we still deserve to be called by the name of Church?
In dangers, in anguish, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary.
Let her name be even on your lips, ever in your heart;
and the better to obtain the help of her prayers, imitate the example of her life:
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