Acts 1: 12-14
After Jesus had been taken up to heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away.
When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Mary Stands Beside Us
Spring cleaning time has arrived and I am finding picture after picture of my mother standing beside me at important events and everyday happenings. Mothers are always standing beside their children no matter their children’s ages.
In today’s reading from Acts, Mary is present with the male and female disciples of Jesus awaiting his gift of the Holy Spirit. Imagine Mary’s love and concern enveloping all the anxious disciples waiting in the upper room. Mary’s love continues to surround today’s disciples of Jesus scattered far and wide. Being so approachable, Mary is embraced across time and cultures. Around the world, people depict her wearing their traditional dress, honoring her as being one with them and for them. Her abundant love embraces each of us, as her beloved sons and daughters.
Today, have a loving conversation with Mary, knowing that she is listening with open ears and loving heart.
—Russ Long attends St. Peter Catholic Church, the Jesuit parish in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC. He is involved with the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network and religious education in the parish.
Prayer
Mary, listen to my joys and concerns of today, and lead me into a deeper friendship with Jesus. Amen
—Russ Long