There is so much going on in our world today that it is hard to know what our response should be.  Is our only recourse to the war in Ukraine to passively sit back and wait until it is over?  Shall we hope that the forest fires out west do not destroy too many homes – or lives?  Shall we only offer our “thoughts and prayers” to the victims of domestic violence and mass shootings?  

After Jesus, the most important person to look at in the Gospels is Mary.  She is a model of discipleship. The apostles ran away when Jesus was arrested.  Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.  Peter denied knowing him and Thomas doubted our Lord’s resurrection.  Mary is the only person who gets it right.

Mary did not run away.  She stood under the cross, silently protesting the horror, choosing not to give in to the violence and hatred that surrounded her.  She had every right to cry out, to scream about her Son’s innocence.  Mary models for us a different way of protesting.

The Blessed Mother is doing all that can be done.  She is silently standing witness.  She cannot change the course of events, but she is not powerless. She is standing in strength, refusing to give back the hate that surrounds her.

The Blessed Mother’s example encourages us to seek holiness.  She knows that Satan is the disturber of peace, but his victory is short-lived.  When we follow her example of strength and join in her prayers for world peace and harmony in our communities, we are dealing a great blow to the division of war and violence in all its forms.

The Risen One has shown us the way.  The Blessed Mother beckons us to follow.  With God’s grace, we can all be builders of peace and carriers of joy.

Blessings,

Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.