Mary, Mother of God



“Mother of God”

by Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS.  www.beestill.org



This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. In the past four weeks we have heard a number of times Luke's Gospel where Mary is told that she is to bear a son and name him Jesus and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The angel Gabriel tells Mary that the Lord is with her – literally and physically!  Thus Mary becomes the new Ark of the Lord. Did you ever notice that Mary does not say she’s “not worthy”?  She just asks for clarification.  She never asks if, whether or why!

Clearly this reveals her lack of ego.  She becomes the archetype of perfect receptivity – without a concern about whether she is worthy.  She does it alone, quietly, and with courage. This young teenage girl simply says, “Let it be!” 

Which brings us to this new day and New Year.  Take a moment to pause and remember that this same Jesus the Christ dwells within all of us, without exception – regardless of how worthy we may be!  This God loves us for who we are.  As the Franciscan Richard Rohr says, “God does not love you because you are good; you are good because God loves you.” 

Blessings to you and your families in this New Year!!