Mary, Mother Of God

1 Jan

“Motherhood is filled with magical little moments that bring you immense joy.”  ~ Namrata Shirodkar

A month ago, I spoke about different years that we often experience:  liturgical, calendar, and fiscal.  I said that as we began our Advent season, a journey that led us to the celebration of Christmas.

Today, I speak about the different Mother’s Days that we celebrate.  Of course, we are most familiar with the second Sunday of May each year when we celebrate our moms on Mother’s Day.  But there is a liturgical Mother’s Day as well, if you will.  Each year, on January 1st, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.  Hence, we could say that we celebrate a special Mother’s Day.

When we honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ and our Blessed Mother, we, in fact, honor all mothers in the special role that they play in their families.  Mothers are generally associated with words that express love as mothers bring their children into this world through a loving act and dote upon their children in very loving ways.

Every mother I have ever met has thought that their child was “the best”.  Every mother’s child is perfect.  Every mother’s child is the most precious.  Every mother’s child is a wonder and miracle.  Mothers never tire hearing that from others.  When a mother hears that her child did something special or funny or exceptional, the glow on the mother’s face cannot be duplicated. It is a glow of pure love.

I think about that as I reflect upon the words in the Gospel for today:  “The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Lk 2:16-19)

Can you see the look on Mary’s face?  I’m sure you can.  It is the same look of love that any mother has when she hears wonderful things about her child.  Mary was invited by the Angel Gabriel to have a deep and special relationship with God that would bring our Savior into the world.  From the beginning of His life, Mary heard wondrous news regarding her Son, Jesus and she treasured these in her heart.

I’m sure those precious moments helped Mary to remain courageously at the side of her Son in His final days.  The love of a mother is nothing short of a miracle.

FAITH ACTIONPray for a special blessing for all mothers today.