"Am I Not Here?"

The very words of Mary to the humble peasant Juan. The very words of Mary assuring Juan of her shadow and protection. That moment, Juan was in great struggle. His uncle was dying. Instead of going to the town and find a priest, Mary told her to gather some flowers and present them to the Bishop. Juan was in fear but his uncle was healed because he trusted the words of Mary, “Am I not here whom am your Mother?”

Photo: The Chosen Season 2 Episode 8

One year had passed since the pandemic was declared. We lost jobs, lost properties and even lost people we dearly love. Maybe, we are still asking these questions, “When will this end?”, “What shall I do?”, “Lord??”. Because of this pandemic, we became so worried in so many things -- health, finances, family.

In all these, today, Jesus reminds us that all of our worries matter to Christ.

And what matters to Christ, matters to Mary.

This is for you, who is reading this. YOU matter to Mary. Why? Because she is your mother too! Talk to her, ask her, take comfort and peace in her. Her sweet and comfy arms that took care of Jesus are willing to embrace you, take care of you and love you just how she embraced, took care and loved Jesus.

All of Jesus’ earthly life, she was there. Since the annunciation, to Jesus’ passion and death, resurrection and ascension and even in the descent of the Holy Spirit (Jesus was already in Heaven by this time), Mary was there. May this be a reminder for us, that just like how she’s ever present to Jesus’ journey here on earth, she will do the same to us, her children. Know that in your journey,

Mary was there, is there, and will be there for you!

In these very difficult moments, we have Mary to go to. We have a Mother who is ready to listen us when we ask help. A Mother who is willing to hug us in times when we are so sad and out of words. We have a mother.

Now, Mother Mary is asking you, "Am I not here who am your Mother?"

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(Mary to St. Juan Diego, Dec 12, 1531)

“Hear and let it penetrate your heart, my dear little son: let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you. Let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also do not fear any illness or trouble, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the fold of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do not be troubled or take thought of your uncle’s illness, for he will not die of this. He is well already. Is there anything else you need?”