Who is Mary to you? Is she simply a figure from history, or is she the Mother of God, the Theotokos, whose maternal love and intercession extend to all who live in Christ? The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, celebrated on January 1, invites us to reflect on her unique role in salvation history. This feast challenges us to see Mary not only as the mother of Jesus but as our spiritual mother, guiding us with her maternal care and leading us closer to her Son.
Through Mary, the Word becomes flesh and dwells among us (John 1:14). Her motherhood is both human and divine, as she bears the Son of God who is also fully man. This mystery is encapsulated in the title "Theotokos", meaning "God-bearer," which the Church affirmed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD.
It is fitting that the Catholic Church dedicates the first day of the year to honour Mary, the Mother of God. Just as she gave her "yes" to God’s plan, bringing forth the Saviour of the world, the Church entrusts the entire year to her maternal care. This dedication reminds us that as we embark on a new year, we are not alone. Mary walks with us, interceding for us and leading us to Jesus. Her role as our spiritual mother encourages us to approach the year ahead with faith, hope, and trust in God’s providence, just as she did throughout her life.
Mary’s Role in the Life of the Church
Mary’s motherhood didn’t come easy; her "yes" to God’s plan was accompanied by profound trials and sorrows. From the moment Jesus was presented in the temple, Mary was warned by Saint Simeon that her heart would be pierced (Luke 2:35). This prophecy foreshadowed the immense suffering she would endure as the Mother of the Saviour. Mary witnessed the gruesome torture of her own Son—His scourging, the carrying of the Cross, and His crucifixion at the foot of the Cross. Who could bear such pain? Only Mary, whose unwavering faith and strength carried her through. She was with Jesus from the moment He was conceived in her womb, through His birth, His childhood, His earthly mission, and to His ultimate sacrifice on Calvary. Her steadfast presence and love reveal the depth of her maternal heart and her unique role in God’s plan of salvation.
Mary’s motherhood did not end with the birth of Jesus or even with His death on the Cross. In His final moments, Jesus entrusted her to the beloved disciple, saying, “Woman, behold your son,” and to the disciple, “Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27). This act was not merely a personal gesture but a profound declaration of Mary’s spiritual motherhood over all who follow Christ. In giving Mary to the disciple, Jesus gave her to the Church as a mother for all who lives in Christ, the mother of all Christians. The Catholic Church quickly recognised this maternal role, turning to Mary for her intercession, protection, and guidance. She is not only the Mother of God but also the mother of the Church. Her prayers and presence have continually pointed the faithful toward her Son, encouraging a deeper relationship with Him.
Despite Jesus entrusting His beloved disciple to Mary at the foot of the Cross, her motherhood has not become any easier. Hundreds or even thousands of years later, there are still those who deny or question Mary's divine motherhood, despite its clear affirmation not only by the Church at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD but also by the words of the Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation. Gabriel’s proclamation, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28), and his declaration that Mary would bear the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32) fulfilled the ancient prophecies and revealed God’s plan for her unique role in salvation history.
Mary’s motherhood is not a theological invention but a divine reality, rooted in Scripture and confirmed by tradition. Her title as Theotokos—Mother of God—is a testament to the unity of Christ’s divinity and humanity. To deny her motherhood is to misunderstand the Incarnation itself, where the eternal Word of God took on flesh through Mary. Yet, despite the resistance and misunderstandings, Mary continues to embrace humanity with her maternal care, patiently interceding for all her children and leading them to her Son, just as she has done since the moment she gave her fiat.
Mary’s maternal care is a constant reminder of God’s love and His desire to draw us closer to God. Through her example of faith, humility, and strength, she teaches us how to live as true disciples. Her unwavering "yes" to God, even in the face of suffering, inspires us to trust in His plan and to persevere in faith, no matter the challenges we face. As the spiritual mother of the Church, Mary remains a source of hope and consolation. Her maternal love is a reflection of God’s love, inviting us to find refuge in her care and to follow her example of total surrender to His will. Through Mary, we see the perfect model of discipleship, and through her prayers, we are strengthened in our journey toward Christ.
A Call to Entrust Ourselves to Mary
Mary never abandons her children. From the moment we say "yes" to God, she journeys with us, just as she did with Jesus—from His conception to His death on the Cross. She is present in our trials, challenges, and moments of joy, offering her intercession and strength. Even in our darkest hours, including the moment of our last agony, Mary will remain with us, just as she stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross. As we navigate the uncertainties of life, let us turn to her with confidence, knowing that her love and guidance will lead us closer to Christ, her Son, and ultimately to the eternal joy of heaven.
As we begin this new year, let us entrust ourselves entirely to Mary, just as a child places complete trust in the loving care of their mother. In the same way that a newborn leaves the safety of the womb to enter an unknown world, yet finds peace and security in the arms of the mother, we too are called to leave behind the past year with its struggles, failures, and burdens. This transition, though daunting, is an opportunity for new beginnings, where we can place all that we carry into Mary’s hands. She is our spiritual mother and she is ever ready to guide, comfort, and intercede for us, presenting our challenges to her Son and transforms them into opportunities for grace. With Mary by our side, we are invited to face this new year with the same trust that a child places in their mother’s care. Just as a mother nurtures her child through each stage of growth, Mary accompanies us through life’s uncertainties, offering her maternal love and unwavering support. As we step into this year, let us allow Mary to lead us with renewed faith, hope, and love, confident that her guidance will bring us closer to her Son and help us embrace the blessings and challenges that await us.
If you find this post helpful, please support us by sharing it with others. Help spread the message and visit our Support page to learn how you can further contribute to our mission. Thank you for being part of this journey of faith! May you have a blessed and a happy New Year!
Comments