"Mary, show thyself a mother"

[EIF5A]

Doesn’t that seem a bit impolite to say?

It feels kind of like saying, “If you don’t show a sign that you’re praying for me, I’m going to pout.”

What does it mean exactly? I mean, one wouldn’t say that to his/her earthly mother…

 

[Ad_Orientem]

I think it’s akin to the language of petition found in the Lord’s prayer and many other prayers, which can resemble that of a demand but is not. “Give us this day our daily bread” is not a command but a humble request. You will find the same thing throughout the Mass, although at least in the extraordinary form the prayers are sprinkled throughout with “quaesumus” (we beseech thee).

In the case of our Lady, and particularly the phrase in question (Monstra te esse matrem), I think it is a request for something that we already know she is more than willing to give. We are simply asking for her maternal care, in a way analogous to how a child might say, not without tenderness, “Mommy, hold me.”

 

[Dorothy]

Doesn’t that seem a bit impolite to say?

It feels kind of like saying, “If you don’t show a sign that you’re praying for me, I’m going to pout.”

What does it mean exactly? I mean, one wouldn’t say that to his/her earthly mother…

It sounds like a confident , respectful, loving plea from one’s heart.

 

[Miserissima]

Depends on the tone with which it is spoken or read.

 

[Cimachol]

Doesn’t that seem a bit impolite to say?

It feels kind of like saying, “If you don’t show a sign that you’re praying for me, I’m going to pout.”

What does it mean exactly? I mean, one wouldn’t say that to his/her earthly mother…

I had a similar thought when I read the subject line, although from Googling the phrase, it doesn’t sound like it is meant that way. Maybe we’re reading through the lens of our rather cynical, jaded culture, but it does stir up thoughts of the spoiled kid saying, “C’mon, Mom, if you love me, you’d (fill in the blank).”

 

[ready]

I think the Blessed Virgin Mary is pleased when we ask her to show herself a Mother when we are properly disposed. I recall the story of a man who asked the Blessed Virgin Mary to show herself a Mother; her reply to him was: First, show thyself a son.