Day 23
“Behold Your Mother”
In today’s reflection, Fr. Gaitley unpacks St. John Paul II’s Marian theology, particularly his understanding of Mary’s role as “Mother in the order of grace.” Drawing from official Church teaching — especially Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium — John Paul deepens our appreciation of how Mary actively participates in God’s plan of salvation.
Mary’s spiritual motherhood didn’t end when Jesus was born. Nor did it stop at the Cross. Instead, it was at the Cross — when Jesus said, “Behold your mother” — that she became mother to all humanity in a new and profound way. From that moment forward, she began exercising her unique role as mediatrix of grace, nurturing the life of Christ in every soul who receives Him.
Fr. Gaitley emphasizes that this teaching is not optional or fringe devotion. It’s rooted in the Church’s Magisterium and was championed by John Paul II as central to understanding Marian consecration. When we consecrate ourselves to Mary, we are simply acknowledging and embracing the reality of her motherly care — and allowing her to more freely carry out her mission in our lives.
Mary is not just an example of faith; she’s an active, loving mother who brings us grace, intercedes constantly, and forms us in holiness. Her mediation flows from her intimate union with Christ and her desire to lead all souls to Him. Consecration is the key that unlocks this maternal relationship in full.
