Icon: The Blessed Virgin Mary & Christ

As a convert to Catholicism, I always get excited about celebrating the different feast day’s of the Saints.  Individuals and families alike have so much to learn from their example.  During the Old Testament period, monuments were built to remind the Jews of what God had done in a particular place and time.  That monument stood so future generations would remember what God did thereby creating a deep, relational connection between creation (humanity) and the Creator.

On September 8, we celebrated the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary and what a monument she is for the Church today.  Her story, clearly articulated at the beginning of the Gospel’s (Mt. 1:18-23) – a virgin, chosen by God to carry, care for and support the life and ministry of the Christ –  the only Son of God who would be for us the Savior. The Gospel story goes on to recount that, “…all generations will call me (Mary) blessed…” (Lk. 1:46-55).  In light of her story I have come to understand that Mary is singularly unique among us.  It is her story and her unique position that caused me to reflect and ask, what can we learn from her that will help us become the people God has destined us to become?  

I wanted to share my reflections with you in the hope that you will reflect on the impact Mary has had on your journey.  First, it is important to note that God chose Mary as the conduit through which He would introduce our salvation, the beginning of a new covenant.  This action is important because it speaks to the idea that God is relational in nature and a reading of the Old and New Testament reveal this fact.  In choosing Mary, God reveals that He is close and desires an intimate connection to humanity.  As God pursued Mary, bringing forth the miracle of salvation, God is pursuing you today.  He is calling out, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28)  Mary’s intersessions help us to draw near to her Son and encourage us to develop a deep, personal relationship with Him.  What an example!

Second, Mary reminds us to be watchful, observant and to ponder what we experience in our ongoing journey towards Christ and the Church.  The scripture states that, “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Lk. 2:19)  Mary teaches us that in the miraculous and in the mundane Christ is present and at work.  We would benefit from spending more time in reflection, prayer and silent communion with Christ.  It is in the “silent moments” that God speaks and brings clarity to the mind and heart.  God, through the Holy Spirit, will lead each Christian into all truth.  To discover God’s best for our lives.  To make sense in an often senseless world.  Let’s us embrace Mary’s example to treasure our relationship with Christ and to ponder His will in our heart.

Two simple reflections inspired by the life of Mary.  I am grateful to be on this journey and may I always live by her example as she points us to Jesus, the Christ.