The Monthly Note
May 2010
EVOCATIONS
by Jacques Sylvestre, OP
O Mary…pray for us who have recourse to thee!
One day, Jean Mermoz, a pioneer of transatlantic postal flights, was in serious danger. His airplane, a frail one from the early stages of flight, was being shaken like straw in a terrible storm. Without help, nor communication, Mermoz briefly heard crackle his onboard radio. A short, barely audible message: « Jean, I’m here. It’s mom! ». His courage came back with the audacity to finish his most dangerous adventure.
One day, the disciples were rowing on the raging waters of lake Capharnaüm. In spite of their long experience, fear had gotten to them. Jesus, was sleeping in the boat. They woke Him up: «Lord, we are perishing!» And Jesus answered them: « Man of so little faith !». And then he stood up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
On the way to Calvary, a delirious crowd shouts down at a condemned man staggering under the weight of his cross. On the side of the road, some women are observing. One of them cuts through the crowd to wipe the blood covered face of the condemned man. At the summit, the crowd, tired of screaming and vexed by the fate of the one they had once placed their trust, abandons and disperses. At the foot of the cross, where her son is agonizing, stands a woman, like Mermoz’s mother in the storm. Mary is there, ready to receive in her arms the body of her executed son.
Presently, the Church is sailing in rough seas. Wave after wave of sexual abuse accusations beat against its flanks. Many Christians apostatize , some criticize the Church with their sarcasms. Priests and bishops are accused. Even the Pope is not out of their reach.
In these stormy days, just like the disciples in their boat, may the Virgin Mary permit us to believe to the end in the reality of her Church, mystical body of her son, Jesus.
With Mary and Jesus, let us pray that our faith does not falter.
