Wednesday 24 May

Mary Help of Christians

Acts 17:15,22-18:1; Psalm 148; John 16:12-15

Mother Mary be our helper

As early as the fourth century, the title 'Help of Christians' was applied to Mary. Particularly in the sixteenth century, when the Christians in Europe were being threatened by the vast armies of the Ottoman Empire, and again when Pope Pius V11 was imprisoned by Napoleon, Christians called to Mary. They prayed to her as their helper, knowing her closeness to Jesus, and because Jesus on the cross bequeathed her to us as our mother (John 19:26). Confidently, we can call on Mary in our uncertain times.