After the Ascension, the apostles “devoted themselves to constant prayer” (Acts 1:14). With the apostles in the upper room was “Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14). The apostles, except St. John, were not with Mary at the foot of the cross as her Son was put to death (see Jn 19:25-27). At that time, the apostles abandoned Jesus (Mk 14:50). By deserting Jesus, they also ran out on Mary, who remained with Jesus (Jn 19:25).

In today’s first reading, the apostles are now gathered in the upper room with the mother they had left alone at the cross. It is implied in the text that peace and accord was enjoyed among those gathered in the upper room (Acts 1:14-15ff). Yet that peace came about because of a reconciliation not recorded in Scripture. Just as Jesus asked Peter three times “Do you love Me?” and so restored Peter to leadership (Jn 21:15-17), Mary gathered the apostles under her wings in the upper room, as Jesus wished to do with the people of Jerusalem (Lk 13:34).

Thus we say of the early Church, gathered in the upper room at Pentecost, that she (the Church) “was born there” (Ps 87:6). The pregnancy, so to speak, occurred both at the foot of the cross, and in the upper room. The early Church flourished amid the nurturing, love, and forgiveness of Mother Mary. With the founding members of the early Church, “behold your mother” (see Jn 19:27).

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