Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Sister Priscilla Aliu, SNDdeN
Luke 2:16-21
On this first day of the year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The wisdom of the Church is inspired by the divine knowledge of our good God; hence, she has magnanimously dedicated the entire world to our Beloved Mother of God for her safe keeping. This calls for joy knowing that at the dawning of the year, we are all enfolded in the maternal care of our loving and good mother.
The Solemnity of today focuses on the relationship between Mary and her Son, Jesus. Mary is the Mother of God because she is the Mother of Jesus, true God and true Man. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives insight to what we celebrate today:
“495 Called in the Gospels “the mother of Jesus,” Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as “the mother of my Lord.” In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father’s eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly “Mother of God” (Theotokos).”
In today’s gospel, we read that the child that Mary bore “was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21). Mary’s relationship was uniquely shaped by God. She conceived the Son of God in her womb. In Mary, we see the two natures of Jesus coming into fruition. This makes both the title and the celebration of today most authentic. Through Mary, the world can taste and see the goodness of God in the person of Jesus. (Psalm 34:8-9).
How was it that Mary was able to respond faithfully to this great favour that God accorded her? This is found in the manner of her total surrender to the will of God with trust and in her care and commitment to Jesus throughout his life. Mary’s faith in God’s providence and sacrificial obedience to God paved way for this singular title that will forever be only Mary’s, now and in the world to come.
The gospel tells us that Mary treasured and pondered all the unfolding mysteries of God in her heart (Luke 2:19). Her pondering nature opened her heart to the beauty of being the Mother of God and how this unique role was going to shape human history for good according to the plan of God.
On this day, humanity is invited to pause like Mary to treasure and ponder God’s words and the message of salvation in our hearts. How do you treasure God’s word in your heart? Mary remains a great example for our world today in all aspects of human growth and spirituality. Through her pondering, she grew in prayer, faith, wisdom and reverence for the one who matters most in our life’s journey – God. She challenges us to be people of reflection, to see and move beyond the instantaneous gratification that has become the disease of our day, to cultivate the virtues of patience and endurance. The events of our world today should move us to ponder on our priorities in life. How are they shaping the world positively like Mary?
As the Mother of God, Mary offered her life as the embodiment of Jesus’ incarnation to the world. Through her self-offering, Jesus loves, cherishes and respects his mother immeasurably. The two are inseparable. We too are blessed by the power of Mary’s intercession because she is intricately close to the heart of her Son, Jesus. She draws us into this loving relationship with her Son through our devotion and reverence to her. How might God be calling each of us to be self-sacrificing for the good of humanity?
As we celebrate today, may we be courageous like Mary to yes to God. If we learn to cooperate with God, our world will become more loving, kind, good and peaceful for all of us to live in.
Luke 2:16-21
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.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
The Gospel of the Lord
Meet Sr. Priscilla Aliu, SNDdeN
