May 26 Fri
Mother of the Savior.  Our Lord was the Messiah, or Christ. But when He actually showed Himself on earth, He was known by three new titles: the Son of God, expressing His Divine Nature; the Son of Man, expressing His Human nature; and the Savior, His mission. Thus, the Angel who appeared to Mary called Him the Son of God; the angel who appeared to Joseph called Him Jesus, which means, Savior; and so, the Angels, too, called Him a Savior when they appeared to the shepherds.

St. Peter says He is “a Prince and a Savior,” and St. Paul says, “a Savior, Jesus.” And both Angels and Apostles tell us why He is so called – because He has rescued us from the power of the devil, and from the guilt and misery of our sins. Thus, the Angel says to Joseph, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins;” and St. Peter, “God has exalted Him to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.” And He says Himself, “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.”

How this affects our thoughts of Mary? To rescue slaves from the power of the Enemy implies a struggle. Our Lord, because He was a Savior, was a warrior. He had to suffer.

Now, who most especially hate wars? Mothers hate wars. They especially suffer in a war. The mother of a soldier may glory in the honor gained by her son; but still, she goes through long pain, anxiety, and anguish. So it was with Mary. For thirty years she was with the continual presence of her Son. And then, she heard of His arrest.

At last, she got near Him. . . during His mock trial, in His passion, and when He was lifted upon the Cross. Finally, she held Him again in her arms: yes – when He was dead. True, He rose from the dead; but still she did not keep Him, for He ascended on high, and she did not at once follow Him. No, she remained on earth many years – in the care, indeed, of His dearest Apostle, St. John. But what was even the holiest of men compared with her own Son, and Him the Son of God?
Inspired on St. John Henry Newman