Mentor Mary – August 15, 2025

Today’s Readings: St. Mary the Virgin:
AM Psalm 113, 115; 1 Samuel 2:1-10, John 2:1-12
PM: Psalm 45, or 138, 149;
Jeremiah 31:1-14 or Zechariah 2:10-13; John 19:23-27 or Acts 1:6-14

This week, my nine-year-old son is adjusting to fourth grade. He is frustrated with a schoolmate who does not listen and causes the class to miss out on recess. It is a deep injustice in Robinson’s eyes. He often works out this disappointment once he gets home – and he is more fervent when he is tired and hungry…I get it. Last night, Robinson flared up each time I asked him to do simple tasks: bring in the mail, set the table for dinner, and other routine requests appropriate to a kid his age. He refused. He dug in, going silent and steely. Something was on his mind. It took parenting steps and missteps to get him to share what was wrong. There were tears, hugs, and apologies. (Full disclosure: I hurt my son’s feelings during the exchange. Parenting is humbling.) Sam and I know our kid, and many times we know what he is capable of accomplishing.

Maybe that is why so many people identify with Mary, the mother of Jesus. We hear more stories about her presence in her son’s life than her husband Joseph. Mary knows what her son can achieve – and she is there for him. She encourages him and can speak to him at a level where he will listen. They have a connection point that is deep and holy. At the wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-12), we read of Jesus’ first miracle during his ministry. The guests finish off the wine and Mary goes to Jesus. “They have no wine,” she says. “Why is that a problem for you to bring to me?” he asks – maybe with a slight tone of indignation. Mary does not respond to Jesus. Instead, she turns to the stewards of the beverages and advises them, “Do what my son tells you.” Mary knows what Jesus can do. He brings great gifts to spaces of blessedness and hope – like a wedding. He just needs a little time to get ready.

Isn’t that a beautiful gift the mentors in our life can give us? They affirm that we can show up and make a difference. They help us see ourselves in a new light. They show us how we can mirror God’s love in little and big ways. They pray for us as we grow. And so, we reach out to our mentors for wisdom and encouragement. We need mentors like Mary, the mother of Jesus, to face the hard and joyous spaces of life. I give thanks for the witness and blessing of St. Mary this day.

Prayerfully,
Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

 Jesus and Mary are deeply connected as son and mother. With whom do you have a special connection? Reflect on how that relationship has enriched your life. What stories come to mind? Where are the hopes and the challenges? Journal about what that love means to you today. Pray for God to guide and nurture that space of goodness in your life.