By Jason Godin
Jan 2, 2012
As we turn our calendars to a new year, the Church turns its attention to celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1. Historically, Catholics have given many titles to Mary. “Our Lady” and “Blessed Virgin” remain the most popular bestowed on her in prayer and devotions. But Jan. 1 reminds the faithful to recognize that “Mother of God” is and always will be Mary’s highest title. Without her divine motherhood all the other titles wouldn’t exist.
Mary as the “Mother of God” finds its deepest roots in the Gospels. The infancy narrative of St. Luke recounts vividly that God first bestowed this heavenly calling on Mary at the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel proclaimed that she would conceive and bear a son named Jesus who would “be great” and “called Son of the Most High” (Lk 1:31-32). Elizabeth, her older relative also miraculously bearing a child, recognized the divine maternity of Mary when she cried out: “And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:43). Clearly what began in a small town in Galilee changed her life and the lives of others forever.
The Gospel of St. John also confirms Mary as the Mother of God, but deepens its definition within the arc of Christ’s salvific ministry. Christ began his ministry publicly at the wedding at Cana where, from its very start, the “mother of Jesus” presided alongside him (Jn 2:1). Mary was also with Christ at the end, when at the foot of the cross Christ presented Mary not only as his mother but also as the spiritual mother of all men, through the person of St. John. Shortly before his earthly death, the Son of God said to her explicitly, “Woman, behold your son” before turning to St. John and announcing “Behold, your mother” (Jn 19:26-27).
Recognizing Mary as the “Mother of God” throughout the Gospels provides us men both rich lessons and practical actions in faith. Even though full of grace from her conception, Mary still questioned the sudden turn of events in her life with hints of palpable fear at the Annunciation (cf. Lk 1:29). Certainly the strongest man today can identify with such timidity at one point or another in his faith journey. But Mary showed how the joy found through unwavering faith in and humble service to the Lord can triumph over any fear. Mary’s first “yes” challenges us to live fearlessly. Her affirmation grants us the opportunity to announce alongside her with confidence: “May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).
Mary teaches another important lesson as our spiritual mother. The Crucifixion is the very reason that each of us can safely entrust our cares and petitions to her. A man lives this very fact individually or collectively with other men each time he prays “Holy Mary, Mother of God” during the Hail Mary. Divine motherhood didn’t end for Mary at the foot of the cross. She not only prayed for her Son at the hour of his death, but prays for us – her spiritual sons – as we pray through her to Christ.