THE MOTHERHOOD OF MARY
(Luke
2:16-21)
The
Shepherds were watching over their flock; this is an ideal setting
for spiritual progress in that the shepherds were so conscious of
God's existence and power through their close contact with nature
and they were watchful of evil predators that might attack the
flock. The solitude and watchfulness of the shepherds made them
worthy receivers of God's message. Thus, Moses and David were
shepherds and were deigned worthy to hear God.
The shepherds heard the angels and
obeyed the angels that led them to Bethlehem, which symbolizes the
Catholic Church where they found Jesus.
Mary kept and pondered them (or
reasoned out the happenings by putting them into words ) in her
heart. She heard the angel; now she hears the shepherds and later on
the Magi. She puts together the things she has heard and compared
and considered them. Everything seemed to point to that Jesus is
God. That He was a man was obvious.
Mary's motherhood makes her the new
mother of all those who have the image and likeness of her Son,
Jesus Christ. She is principally the mother of Christ and, as
such, mothers only those who are like Christ or who have the
humility of Christ. It is difficult to imagine her as the mother of
those different from her Son.
Those who are unlike Christ in
humility and meekness are said to have Eve as their mother. Eve
means the mother of all living beings. But, because of her
disobedience, she gave birth to children in sin (original sin) who
are spiritually dead. Those who are spiritually dead because of
their pride can be described as children of Eve.
Eve, not being a good mother, gives
birth to children who are spiritually dead and yet does
nothing to bring them back to life. Most parents, or mothers,
are like Eve. They give birth to children who are under the
influence of sin, and do nothing to free their children from sin.
That is the picture of Eve's family.
Mary's family is made up of humble
children, since humility is the image and likeness of Christ. Mary,
in a very special way, takes care of her children, giving and
maintaining their spiritual lives. Eve killed her offspring by her
disobedience and unfaithfulness to God's commands...as most mothers
do.
Mary's true children are recognized
by this sign: in that they naturally lean to her. It is like a
natural instinct, inspired by faith prompts them to run to her in
danger and in times of difficulties. They do not take refuge in
smoking, alcohol, drugs, human consolations or other
distractions.
Since Mary is the symbol of the
Church, they in turn have a zealous fidelity to Holy Mother the
Church. If one is faithful to the symbol, he must also be faithful
to what is symbolized.
(updated
03-16-02) |