GUARD AND PROTECT!

Son, Gabriel Walker, with Mom, Andrea Wynn

7th Sunday of Easter – Ascension Sunday

(Mother’s Day)

"When I was with them, I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled." (Jn. 17:11-19)

In the Gospel of John, Chapter 17, before His Ascension into heaven, Jesus intercedes to the Father on behalf of the disciples. He petitions the Father to guard and protect his followers as He prepares to depart. During his earthly walk, Jesus formed close relationships with his disciples. It is no surprise that he would plead, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” John 17:11.

Have you ever noticed that those who are dear to us are guarded and protected with our whole being, with defense and attacks, with cries of petition - even to death? I will die for you! 

Rosebush taken at St. Dominic's Church in Benicia, CA

This protective mechanism is evident in nature as well. Take, for example, the protective nature of the rose bush. Scientists believe that rose prickles and thorns protect the beautiful flower from animals. The sweet-smelling fragrance and the beautiful flower can be attractive to animals. Defensively, the prickles are strategically positioned along the rose stem, making it difficult for an animal to ascend and destroy the flower.

Mothers, too, protect and guard their offspring through extraordinary acts of self-giving love. As I reflect on the beauty and defensive nature of the rose, I recall the many times that I have attempted to guard and protect my children.

My son, Gabriel, was born with a genetic disorder that affects his red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped and rigid. This prevents oxygen from reaching the body's tissues, which can lead to pain and organ damage. During one hospital stay, he was admitted with acute chest syndrome, which caused difficulty in breathing. As I sat and watched the monitors attached to Gabriel, the alarm would go off periodically. I was impatient; I wanted his health to improve immediately. Anxiously, I prayed and begged, "Holy Father, please allow me to trade places with my son!"  Gabriel's suffering was too much to bear. I felt vulnerable and helpless. It was then I felt the presence of our Blessed Mother Mary, kneeling at the bedside with me, praying and petitioning her Son for my son's healing!

Our Mystical Rose, Mother Mary, was there to guard and protect me during my moments of weakness and vulnerability. While riding the many storms of life, Jesus guards and protects us during our trials and tribulations. The Master holds us safely in His arms. Mothers, too, hold us closely and deserve our gratitude for the sacrifices they make. Today, take a moment to say thank you to mothers. And, while you’re at it, honor the mother above all mothers, our Mystical Rose, the Blessed Mother Mary, who guards and protects us as her Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, guards and protects us.

Author: Andrea Wynn is the coordinator of the Black Catholic Ministry of the Diocese of Sacramento, CA. She is a member of St. Basil the Great Church in Vallejo, CA, and serves various ministries there. She is married to Deacon Casey Walker. They have three beautiful children and an amazing son-in-law. Andrea is enrolled in the Certificate in Contemporary Black Catholic Spirituality Program through the Center for Religion and Spirituality at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA.