Who is Mary?

“And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.”

Luke 2:19

Who is Mary? She is the mother of Jesus and hence the Mother of God. For Catholics this title of Mary is very common and makes sense, but it has been a source of conflict over the years. The argument was that how could we say God, who is eternal, have a mother? It didn’t make sense to some people. But if we look closely, since Mary is the mother of Jesus, and Jesus is the only begotten Son of God who was with the Father from the beginning, and who too is fully divine, then indeed we can Mary is the Mother of God. And Our Lord gave His Mother to us on the Cross.

So, who is Mary? She is the Mother of God, yes, but she is also the first and perfect disciple of Jesus. As we read in the Gospel, Mary is one who reflects. Mary is one who receives from the Holy Spirit; one who says “yes,” and one who leads us and points us to Christ. In being the Mother of God, Mary shows us the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. Although the name of this solemnity is attributed to Mary, it is really about Jesus. Mary’s entire life points to Christ. In acknowledging and declaring that Mary is the Mother of God, the Church is really affirming the teaching on Jesus’ divinity, that while being fully man, Jesus is also fully God.

It was in receiving from the Holy Spirit, that Mary was able to respond and to act. Mary shows us that before we can do anything — however good or charitable — we first must receive. Receive what? The love and grace of God. We must receive in order to give, and Mary shows us that. She receives not for herself as St. Paul shows in his letter to the Galatians, but rather for us! So that we might come to become the children of God by sharing in the Sonship of Christ. All that Mary does stems from her relationship with God and it is always moved by love and always for others. May we follow her example so that our lives too may always point to Christ, her Son.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!