SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD
-->
WHAT MARY KNOWS
Only two gospels narrate the
beginning of Jesus’ earthly life. Both Matthew and Luke relate the infancy
narratives and together with these, the story they know of Mary, the virgin
mother of God’s Only Son. Matthew runs short of stories on Mary after the birth
of the Messiah, while Luke continues to include Mary in the unfolding drama
still to happen even after the Resurrection.
In the gospel of Luke, Mary was
the only adult who makes it through Jesus’ transition from infancy, childhood,
ministry, death and resurrection. And Luke shows the significance of Mary as
she follows her Son throughout her life. It was she who “kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart,” as today’s gospel tells us, Luke 2: 16-21.
What did Mary keep in her heart? What
did she reflect on? What did she understand? More importantly, what did she not understand? What was it she found
confusing about her child and his mission in the world?
Mary learned, not without any
difficulty and pain, of Jesus’ total absorption to his Heavenly Father’s call
and mandate. This devotion would make him later forsake his own natural family
in search of a new family of faith. This will bring him to his untimely death
and his glorious Resurrection. This will start a community of brothers and
sisters whose invisible bonds are faith hope and love.
Mary learned that having physical
ties with Jesus is not the most important thing, for Jesus did not care about
the merely physicial or natural. Rather it is faith and obedience to God that
unites one to Jesus. Mary did not lay a claim on Jesus as his natural mother. As
she pondered, she always considered herself a servant and follower of the
Messiah born into the world.
As we pray for various graces
this year for our families and friends, let us remember to pray for the deep
knowledge that Mary had as she tried to reflect on her relationship with the
mystery of Jesus. Like Mary, may we too find an increase of faith, an abundance
of hope, and a generosity of love in our lives this year and always. A Blessed New Year to all!
