24/07/2020
Mary, Mother Of Jesus, As The Model Of Faith.
More and more Mary is being offered as a model of how we as Christians should strive to be. The Catholic Church has always held Mary in high esteem and views her as a holy figure, because she is, after all, the mother of Jesus; our redeemer. How do we view Mary and her importance in the history of the Christian faith?
Mary delivered Jesus to us. She accepted this important mission knowing that there would be many who would not understand and probably who would judge her. She accepted and agreed to have a child through the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:38). Her Son would be taken from her not only in death, but also in doing our Father’s work. Mary accepted this mission in pronouncing her ‘Yes’ because she had faith in God and knew the importance of what was being asked of her. Mary did not think that she was worthy of such an important task, but accepted what was to come (Luke 1:46-50). The faith she had in God, and the faith she had in her Son were what we can value in her as the mother of Jesus. We understand the human concerns and worries she had, but very much appreciate her divinity, love of God, and love of her Son.
Mary and Elizabeth were the first to understand the importance in what was to come which they manifested by their excitement (Luke 1:39-45). These women of faith must have been great sources of support for one another. John the Baptist, Jesus, and their mothers being connected in such a profound way allocate the beginning of our Christian faith. The vision of what was to be was first given to these women of faith. Mary and Elizabeth are pinnacles of what we as Christians are called to live; place our faith in God, do what he asks of us, and believe that He will be with us no matter what life brings. Our early Christian mothers are true models of faith, and help us to understand how important we are to each other in carrying out our life’s vocation.
Anthony IFEADIGO
Messengers of Mercy Society
