May is traditionally the month dedicated to the Mother of God. She holds special significance for us during this Jubilee Year of Mercy because through her willingness to bear the Christ child, God became “visible” in a particular way as the Father who is rich in mercy.

Pope Saint John Paul II, in his encyclical Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy), calls Jesus the incarnation of mercy.

No one has ever seen God, Saint John tells us. [Jn. 1:18]. But by virtue of Mary’s motherhood, God is made known to us by Christ, and known above all in his “relationship of love” for humanity.

Mary spoke some very heart-warming words during her visit to her cousin, Elizabeth: “His mercy is from generation to generation.” Heart-warming words because God’s mercy continues to be revealed in her and through her—right down to us today.

Mary obtained mercy in an exceptional way, as no other person has. She, then, has the deepest knowledge of the mystery of God’s mercy.

Our prayer today: Mary, Mother of Mercy, we thank you for your share in revealing God’s mercy. Pray for us now and at the hour of our death.