Why Do Catholics Love Mary, Mother of Jesus?

As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s day, I wanted to reflect on why, as a Catholic, I love the Blessed Mother of Jesus and how she helps me become a better mother, and daughter of God. 

Accepting God’s Will

After asking the angel Gabriel how it was possible that she would bring the Savior into the world, Mary’s immediate response to the angel Gabriel was, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

No other questions, no hesitations, no “Wait….you clearly have the wrong person” or “This isn’t really what Joseph and I had planned.”

She accepted God’s will quickly and completely.

Jesus, help me to accept the ups and downs of motherhood quickly and completely. Bring me to a better understanding of Your will for me.  Help me to embrace You in my life all day, every day just as Mary did. Give me the grace to believe that Your will is better than my own.

Mary’s Example of Seeing the Needs of Others

The first event we see of Mary after the Annunciation, is that she makes the journey to Elizabeth’s house.  You can imagine it was not an easy journey to begin with, but in the first trimester?  That must have been very difficult.  And yet, in Luke’s gospel there is no mention of her complaining or struggling – she is there to serve Elizabeth and to bring Christ – even in her womb – to Elizabeth and her son, John.

Years later, at the wedding feast of Cana, we see Mary serving those of the wedding party by helping them avoid the embarrassment of running out of wine.  The wine steward didn’t catch it, but she did.  She even prevailed upon her Son to solve the problem.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.”

“Do whatever He tells you”, effectively beginning Jesus’ public life with the most spectacular first miracle!

Jesus, help me to see the needs of those around me.  Give me the selfless spirit I need to think of others first and to serve with love.  (No matter what the world may tell you, serving others in love and generosity is where we find our joy.)

A Model of Faith and Hope

Where to begin with this?  Mary’s life is a constant example of faith and hope.

She finds herself pregnant and could potentially be the scandal of the village.  She has faith that God will take care of her.

Nine months pregnant, she’s off on a journey to Bethlehem.  She has faith that her Heavenly Father will find a place for her to have her child.

When Joseph says they must leave immediately and go to Egypt, she trusts.

Standing at the foot of the cross, watching her Son go through the horrible suffering and death was a testament to Mary’s deep faith in God’s will.  And no matter how often I meditate on it, it’s hard to understand the depth of faith that required.  Could I watch my son be crucified and killed?  Could I be silent in knowing God’s will or would I be filled with rage at people who killed the One who cured them, healed them, accepted them, and embraced them with love? 

Could I stand there, at the foot of the cross, bravely and boldly?

That quiet, deep faith and hope in the Divine will and promises teaches me how to handle the relatively insignificant problems of my life.

Jesus, when I encounter suffering and fear, help me to embrace Your will with faith and hope.

Why do I love Mary?  Because she is the model of all that is good in a woman.  With God’s grace, may we become more and more like her every day.

Whatever day it is that you read this….Happy Mother’s Day!

Janet

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