Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God

As we conclude our Advent blog, we celebrate the motherhood of Mary. As any mother would desire, the attention given in today’s readings are less about Mary than they are about her son Jesus. Paul reflects in the second reading: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons (and daughters).” Mary isn’t even mentioned by name, simply referenced as “a woman.” The early Church would have to wait until Luke wrote his Gospel to read about the awesome “Yes” of the Annunciation and to learn about the great humility and faith of this young woman who gave birth to such an incredible son.

Yet we are also told in today’s Gospel that Mary “kept all these things (the experience of giving birth to her first son), reflecting on them in her heart.” What do you think was going through her mind? I’m sure joy must have overwhelmed her, followed closely by concern for his wellbeing – after all, a stable is not the usual place to give birth! At some point her thoughts probably turned towards hopes for him as he grew up – health, happiness, fulfillment, a long and rewarding life. Again, the focus of her attention was not on herself but totally on her child as the focus is with all mothers.

What about ourselves? As we reflect on these past weeks of preparation and celebration of Christmas and now come to the beginning of a New Year, what are the things we ponder in our hearts?

New Year’s Resolutions are not one of the things I ponder. I’ve come to realize I do not need the frustration or guilt associated with breaking them by the end of the first week of the new year; however, I do reflect and pray about the hopes and dreams I have for the new year. My foremost prayer this year is that we as a world community might grow in reconciliation. As Paul noted, Mary’s son brought us adoption as God’s sons and daughters. I pray, in recognizing the dignity of one another as children of God, we may grow in a reconciling love so that we may begin to overcome the polarization that characterizes so many of our relationships - personal, national, and global. I pray the Lord may bless us in the way he instructed Aaron to bless his people: “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”

Author: Wally Sidney, S.J., Superior of the Gonzaga Community