Most Holy Name of Mary

[Scripture Readings: 1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt 25:14-30 ]

The mother of Jesus was never called “Mary” because she was Jewish, and in Hebrew her name was pronounced Miriam, a name that means rebellion, very fitting for the sister of Moses because she grew bitter and rebelled against his authority. Not very fitting for Mary, who said to the angel, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Two other meanings are more fitting. The first is Arabic, meaning a wish, the wished for child. The second is Egyptian, meaning love, or the beloved. Mary, Miriam, is the wished for child of Joachim and Anne. She is the beloved of God. Think of Mary, call on her in time of danger, invest your talents with her by asking for her protection, commit yourself to Mary's care and she will bring you safely to Jesus forever.