Episode 2347: Embracing Our Mother of Faith - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints in heaven, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen”
Embracing Our Mother of Faith
Tonight, we delve into the powerful imagery of Revelation 7:14, which speaks of those who have come out of the great tribulation, their robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb. Alongside this, we reflect on the pivotal role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as highlighted by Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, in guiding us to her divine Son and nurturing our faith.
Mary, the mother of God and the first Christian disciple, stands as a beacon of faith and a perpetual advocate for believers. From the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion to the day of Pentecost, Mary has been a constant presence, pointing us toward Jesus and encouraging us to follow Him. Let us explore how the triumph of the Lamb and the intercession of Mary guide us on our spiritual journey.
The Triumph of the Lamb
"These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Revelation 7:14
This passage from Revelation paints a vivid picture of the redeemed, those who have endured great suffering and have been purified by the blood of Christ. Their robes, made white, symbolize their sanctification and the victory over sin and death through the sacrifice of the Lamb. This imagery calls us to recognize the power of Christ’s redemptive act and the hope it offers us in our own trials and tribulations. It is a reminder that, through our sufferings and perseverance in faith, we too can share in this triumph and be cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.
Mary: Our Advocate and Guide:
"Amidst this cloud of witnesses born from faith, none shines brighter or offers us more in Jesus Christ than the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of God and the first Christian disciple. As the Lord Jesus hung on the cross, dying of excruciating suffocation, he nevertheless said to St. John and to all Christians, 'Behold, your mother!' (Jn 19:27). Always an advocate for believers, Mary perpetually points us to her divine Son. When praised by Elizabeth, she turned the praise to God and exclaimed: 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior' (Lk 1:46-47). At the wedding feast of Cana, she encouraged the Lord Jesus to work his first public miracle and to initiate his ministry. At Cana, she said to the servants, as she says to us now: 'Do whatever he tells you' (Jn 2:5). At Pentecost, she was present as the Holy Spirit was sent upon the apostles and they began to preach the Gospel (Acts 1:14). She was and is always the mother of faith and of the Church." — Fr. Jeffrey Kirby
Fr. Jeffrey Kirby beautifully encapsulates Mary’s pivotal role in the life of Jesus and the early Church. As Jesus entrusted her to St. John and all Christians, Mary becomes our spiritual mother, continually pointing us towards Christ. Her response to Elizabeth’s praise exemplifies her humility and dedication to God’s will, magnifying the Lord and rejoicing in His salvation.
At Cana, Mary’s faith and trust in Jesus’ power prompted His first miracle, setting the stage for His public ministry. Her words, "Do whatever he tells you," resonate through the ages, encouraging us to follow Jesus’ teachings wholeheartedly. Her presence at Pentecost underscores her integral role in the early Church, supporting and praying with the apostles as they received the Holy Spirit and began their mission.
Embracing Mary’s Example:
To fully embrace the triumph of the Lamb and Mary’s example, we can:
Seek Mary’s Intercession: Regularly pray the Rosary, asking for Mary’s intercession to strengthen our faith and guide us closer to her Son.
Live Humbly and Faithfully: Emulate Mary’s humility and unwavering faith by submitting to God’s will and trusting in His plans for our lives.
Follow Jesus’ Teachings: Heed Mary’s advice to "do whatever he tells you" by diligently studying and living out the teachings of Jesus.
Support the Church: Like Mary at Pentecost, be active participants in our faith communities, supporting the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel.

Conclusion:
As we conclude this episode, let us reflect on the powerful message of Revelation 7:14 and the inspiring role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our faith journey. Through the blood of the Lamb, we are offered redemption and hope, and through Mary’s example and intercession, we are guided to live lives of faith and humility.
Thank you for joining me tonight. May these reflections inspire you to draw closer to Christ and embrace Mary’s example in your daily walk of faith. Until next time, may the peace and grace of God be with you, guiding you always.