Bible Study with Gene: Merry Mary Month of May
The warm weather in the Great Lakes region makes May one of the most delightful months of the year. It begins with May Day, which is also St. Joseph’s Day. May ends with Memorial Day and “The Greatest Spectacle In Racing," The Indianapolis 500.
In between come Mother’s Day, Rogation Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost, and the entire month is Mary’s month in the Roman Catholic tradition. We can begin celebrating on May 1 and celebrate every day thereafter.
I suppose there are a few other tasks in May that “may” not involve celebration, such as preparing for and attending graduations, as well as any birthdays and anniversaries in your family. And then there are weddings and baby showers. Forget going to work until June.
Actually, of course, only a few groups of people can avoid going to work most days. The largest of these groups is those of us who are retired. Unless one can’t because of mobility issues, we fill our days with various responsibilities, so we are busy all week. Maybe except for one day each week after 10:00 PM!
Let’s take a look at some church-related celebrations in May. You may find another “May Day” you want to celebrate.
In the U.S., Mother’s Day (10/2026) did not originate in any religious tradition. But I don’t know of a Christian church congregation or denomination that ignores Mother’s Day. While other celebrations honoring mothers date back hundreds of years, our Mother’s Day was prompted by Anna Jarvis, who wanted everyone to remember her mother, Ann, a Civil War-era peace activist. Mother’s Day became a national holiday in 1908, through the action of President Wilson.
Churches may celebrate:
Ascension Day (14/2026) celebrates Christ’s ongoing presence with us, even though he now “lives” with God.
Pentecost (24/2026) commemorates the Holy Spirit’s power and promise to reach all around the world, empowering and uniting the entire body of Christ. In the Hebrew tradition, Pentecost is the Feast of Weeks, which celebrates the first fruits of the harvest and Moses’ reception of the Decalogue at Sinai.
Some Christian communities celebrate Rogation Day in May (14/2026). Rogation Day may have been more significant when we were primarily rural. On Rogation Day, the congregation blesses the farms, fields, and seeds. Perhaps we would do well to observe Rogation Day. The food we purchased at the grocery store did not originate on those shelves.
May is Mary’s month. The mother of Jesus plays an important role in the life and spirituality of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Protestant Christianity has largely ignored Mary. That’s unfortunate. Mary gave birth to Jesus and was present at her son’s death.
Beyond the announcement of the pregnancy and the birth of Jesus, the Gospel of John portrays Mary at the cross, weeping as her son dies. John’s Gospel reminds us of Jesus' love for his mother when, on the cross, he entrusts her to the care of a disciple he loved: “Here is your mother” (John 19:26). In addition, the Gospel writers record Mary’s presence at other moments in Jesus’ life.
I hope your journey to adulthood was assisted and enriched by your mother's love. I encourage us to cherish Jesus’ mother, as Jesus did.
