Truly rich

One could be confused why the Bible sometimes extolled poverty, sometimes riches.  “Blessed ye poor, yours is the kingdom of heaven” (Lk. 6:20).  “There is none who has left house, or wife, or children, or parents or brothers and sisters who will not receive a plentiful return in this age and life everlasting in the life to come” (Lk. 18:29).

So Jesus showed by example and word what He meant by being poor in spirit (Mt. 5:3) and being truly rich (Lk. 1:53).  If it is not clear, just think, Jesus—God, Creator, King of kings, owner of the whole world shows us what it is to be truly rich and free.  Being rich does not mean slavery to money, things, or any creature at all.  “It is the freedom of the sons and daughters of God” (Rom. 8:21).

Sources of evil

“From the heart originate evil desires, murder, hate, fornication, adultery” (Mt. 15:19).  Usually we tend to blame all on systems and structures, and certainly there are such.  But the very origin of evil is in the heart of man.  “Greed for money is the source of all evils” (1 Tim. 6:10).  Behind every system are greedy hearts that only make a tool of such system to perpetuate their men/women in power.

The solution?  Preach the truth, give the truth a chance.  “The truth shall set you free” (Jn. 8:32).  Most of all the truth means the life and teachings of Jesus.  Jesus first gave the example, and likewise taught by word of mouth what He had shown by action, because examples speak louder than words.

Mary Mediatrix

Mary’s intercessory role as channel of all graces coming from God has withstood the test of time and there are several Churches with the title of Mary Mediatrix of all grace as patroness.  The Philippines is also launching the Movement for the Dogmatic definition of Mary’s universal mediation of grace.

The litany of the Holy Rosary contains many titles of Our Lady such as Holy Mother of God, Mother of the Church, Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful, Ark of the Covenant, Gate of heaven, Refuge of sinners, Seat of wisdom, Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of Angels, Queen of Apostles, Queen of  Martyrs, Queen of Prophets, Queen of all Saints, Queen of Peace, etc.  This is not an impossibility because all we desire to say is that being the Mother of God, Mary merited these other titles.

God chose Mary from all eternity to be the Mother of His Beloved Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Source of grace, the divine Mediator  between God and Man.  God is the source, she is the channel, she the humble maid of Nazareth.  Jesus, the Son of God and Second Person of the One Triune God, in obedience to God the Father in the Redemption of humankind, deigned to become man by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary, the Sorrowful Mother, accompanied our Redeemer at the very foot of the Cross.  There she was given to us as our mother.  Her motherhood brings to mind a familiar saying that goes: “The hand that rocks the cradle rocks the world.”  This shows the distinction and dignity of motherhood while we entrust our earthly journey into the maternal caring hands of Mary Mediatrix, Spouse of the Holy Spirit.