Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

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.

This feast day needs to be clarified since it has undergone several changes. It coincides with the octave day of Christmas, the circumcision, and the feast of the holy name of Jesus. It is further complicated by the latest addition (by Pope Paul VI) of this being a World Day of Peace. One can focus on any of these by paying attention to Mary’s role in the mystery of our salvation. It is also meant to highlight the dignity this feast brings to the “[Mother] through whom we were found worthy to receive the author of life” (Opening Prayer).

The preface for the Mass reminds us that Mary conceived God’s only begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. In a sense, Mary represents the maternal face of God, not only because her son is also the Son of God but also because the Holy Spirit, through whose power she conceived, took up his dwelling in Jesus as well. Mary’s child was not only her child but the child—the Savior—of us all.

There are many lessons we can take from this feast, whether it be Mary’s total openness to God or her continuing role in salvation history. In every communion, Jesus comes to us to incarnate himself in us and change us into his saving presence in the world. As Mary bore Jesus in Nazareth, so are we given the privilege of bringing Jesus to the world in our own time and place.

Am I willing to allow Christ’s life and love for the salvation of the world to bear fruit in me as Mary did?

Let Us Pray:

O Jesus, may I be so inspired by the commitment and love of your mother that I am open to the work of the Holy Spirit in me.