Paul VI, who has been called: “Defender of the Rosary” (Catholic Exchange), promoted recitation of the rosary and opposed changes to the devotion. He officially gave Mary the title of “Mother of the Church” as the Second Vatican Council concluded.
Mary has many beautiful titles, all given to her by others, but she described herself as the Lord’s “lowly servant” (Luke 1:48). The namesake of Paul XI—St. Paul the Apostle—displayed similar humility by calling himself “a slave to all,” (1 Corinthians 9:19), fulfilling his vocation to preach the word of God “free of charge.” Paul added, “I have become all things to all, to save at least some.” (v. 22.) Paul seeks to identify with the people to whom he is preaching in order to bring them the good news of salvation. It seems that, in his humility, he understands the importance of his spreading his message which supersedes any need for recognition as a titled preacher.
In the gospel reading for this memorial, (Mt 16:13-19, 22-23), Jesus asks who people say he is. Simon Peter already knows that Jesus is not John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah. The apostle declares that Jesus is Christ, the Son of the living God. Then Jesus calls his disciple Peter, the rock on which Jesus will build His church. Certainly, the name, “rock” suggests great strength and power.
Ah, the importance of names! Let us consider today: with what names or titles do we identify? Do we live up to the expectations that accompany those designations? We can delight in the fact that we are: “children of God,” “Christians,” “disciples,” and “brothers and sisters in Christ.” In John’s Gospel, (15:15), Jesus even says we are his “friends” if we love one another as he commands. Clearly, we have work to do.
We will celebrate the feast of Pentecost in two days. We are reminded that the Holy Spirit, also named the Advocate, has given us many spiritual gifts to help us to live up to our names and love others while sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God. Of course, as always, we pray in Jesus’ name!
(Resource: St. Pope Paul VI: Defender of the Rosary, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, October 19, 2018.)
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, CT. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.