Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today in the liturgical calendar we celebrate the nativity of Mary. I know many of our Christian friends wonder why Mary holds such an important role in our Catholic faith. A recent story in the news I think gives some insight. The killing of James Foley brought great sadness to many people around the world. In the midst of all the reports, there was an interesting article published about how he prayed the rosary during his captivity. He said, “I began to pray the rosary. It was what my mother and grandmother would have prayed. I said 10 Hail Marys between each Our Father. It took a long time, almost an hour to count 100 Hail Marys off on my knuckles. And it helped to keep my mind focused.” In the midst of praying the rosary, I believe that James Foley found courage and strength in his faith. Mary is not the object of Mr. Foley’s prayers, but she helps him focus on what will bring him peace and strength in the midst of his struggles- her son, Jesus Christ. Mary is the perfect Christian role model, and ideal intercessor, but most importantly Mary in total humility turns our gaze towards Jesus who is Emmanuel- “God is with us”.
References to Mary throughout scripture always direct our attention to Jesus. In Micah, the prophet refers to Mary as “she who is to give birth” to the one whose “greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.” (Micah 5: 3-5) St. Paul captures the essence of Mary’s life when he says, “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28) There is no other person who has ever lived that was able to say “yes” to God in a more total way than Mary. Because of her complete openness, she was able to allow God to use her as a perfect instrument. “For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” (Mt. 1:21-22) Mary’s surrender to God’s will fulfilled God’s perfect plan of salvation. “Behold the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel which means God is with us.” (Isaiah 7:14) Mary’s “yes” to God was not accomplished to bring her honor or glory, but was fulfilled so we would have the opportunity to say “yes” to Christ in our lives.
When I reflect upon Mary, I think there are 3 ways that she impacts my faith. First, I believe Mary is the perfect role model for all Christians. Her openness and trust in God’s love and mercy allowed her to literally bring Christ into the world. We are also called to be open to God’s Spirit and through the grace of the Spirit within us, bring Christ to all those we encounter. Secondly, I believe that Mary is the ideal intercessor for us. Just like we ask friends to pray for our special needs, Mary is an ideal person to take our concerns and petitions. There could be no person closer to Jesus than His mother, and what better person to bring these prayer requests to our Lord than someone who is so close to His heart. Finally, Mary always leads us to Christ. Even as we pray the rosary, we are focusing on the mysteries of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. She draws us close to her as a mother, but then guides and accompanies us as we follow her Son who brings us life. Mary’s witness in the life she lived gives us hope that we can also completely trust God to bring to fulfillment his plan for us and our lives. Mary shows us how to invite God into our lives and to live believing that He has all things in control. She tells the angel Gabriel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” I believe that it was because of a deep prayer life that Mary was able to freely accept God’s call.
James Foley realized this same power in prayer. He said, “If nothing else, prayer was the glue that enabled my freedom, an inner freedom first and later the miracle of being released during a war in which the regime had no real incentive to free us. It didn’t make sense, but faith did.” Mr. Foley’s faith was lived out in the way that he tried to bring attention to the lives of those suffering in Syria as he told their stories. His deep roots in Christ gave him the ability to face all the challenges that he endured. I believe that Mary played an important role in helping him to remain focused on Jesus. His witness to his faith and how he lived that both in life and death inspire me. Knowing that I have Mary as a guide, intercessor, and role model brings me comfort and peace. I know that our world is in great need of prayer and so I will continue to pray, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and out the hour of our death. AMEN.”
H"eavenly Father, Your Son Jesus brings us life. Through Mary’s yes, Jesus became one of us, so we could have salvation. By your Spirit, may we also be able to say “yes” to all you ask of us, so with your grace we can bring Your Love and Presence to the world. May our lives bring you glory as Mary did with hers. We pray this through Christ our LORD. AMEN"
- Marylynn Herchline