May is traditionally a month when motherhood is celebrated and honored. Of course, that includes honoring Mary, the Mother of God. We recognize her as the first disciple; her model of accompanying Jesus and being a witness of God’s love continues to enrich our own living faith.
Mary’s divine motherhood is central to Christian teachings. Chosen by God to bear His Son, her unwavering faith and acceptance of this divine plan exemplify the virtues of obedience and trust in God. Her response to the angel Gabriel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38), reflects her humility and readiness to serve God’s purpose.
For me, as a mother and a grandmother, Mary’s fiat is very personal. Learning how to say “yes,” especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable and unrealistic challenges in life, has not been easy for me.
There’s a painting of Mary being visited by Gabriel, by Henry Ossawa Tanner, that resonates with me. Mary is on her bed, backed into the corner of the room, staring stoically at a beacon of light which represents the angel. “Really?” she seems to be thinking. “You know how much work and pain this is going to be for me?” (If you haven’t seen it, The Annunciation hangs in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.)
Then there’s the story of Jesus getting separated from his parents (Luke 2:41-52). Mary and Joseph “were astonished” when they finally found him after three days in the temple. I think “astonished” was perhaps a mild expression of their emotions!
As his mother, Mary had a unique role in Jesus’ formation, even as she learned from Him. I, too, learned what it meant to be a mother from my own children – and now my grandchildren.
This gift of living faith is something we are each called to share. Your contribution to Living Faith Foundation helps chaplains and catechists, mothers and fathers, priests and lay leaders introduce this precious Living Faith to those who “have ears to hear.”
This month, please join me in gratitude for all the women who have given us the gift of a living faith. And Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, in flesh and in spirit!
Blessings,
