May 1

“The Blessed Virgin … as Mother of the divine Redeemer here on earth, above all others and in a singular way was the generous associate and humble handmaid of the Lord. She conceived, brought forth, and nourished Christ, she presented him to the Father in the temple, shared her Son’s sufferings as He died on the cross. Thus in a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity, in the work of the Savior, in restoring supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace.”

- Documents of Vatican II LumenGentium, 61

Today's Reflection

According to this teaching of the Church on Mary, how does Mary fulfill the definition of “spiritual motherhood”? Based on this passage, what do you think the phrase “mother to us in the order of grace” means? To what extent do you see her in this way?