One of the traditions for May 1st is the crowning of Mary, as a way to honor her yes to God to bear and raise Jesus.
It honors her life of discipleship, present from the first miracle at Cana to the descent of the Spirit, the birth of the Church, at Pentecost.
It honors Jesus giving her as mother to the disciple John, and symbolically, to all of his disciples through the ages, including us.
When I first encountered Mary as a child, she pointed me to her Son Jesus, and so I honor her today with gratitude for her witness.
Mary’s Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for You have looked with favor on Your lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is Your Name.
You have mercy on those who fear You in every generation.
You have shown the strength of Your arm, You have scattered the proud in their conceit.
You have cast down the mighty from their thrones, and have lifted up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things, and the rich You have sent away empty.
You have come to the help of Your servant Israel, for You have remembered Your promise of mercy, The promise You made to our fore-bearers, to Abraham, Sarah, and their children forever.
Luke 1:46-55