Once a year, we celebrate our mothers and those who have been a mother to us. Being called a mother is typically easy, but being called a good mother takes a lot of effort, sacrifice, and hard work. Mothers not only provide for the needs of their children, but they also keep them safe and show them the right ways to go in life. The one mother who we shouldn’t forget to honor is also the we one we all have in common, our Mother Mary.
Mary began her motherhood by welcoming Jesus into her body and life. She was probably nervous about what the future would hold for her and her family. Many women get nervous about raising a child, but Mary was tasked with raising God. I feel renewed and purified after sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in adoration. Just imagine what grace Mary must have received by carrying Jesus in her womb for nine months.
Mary went through many of the same emotions that all mothers go through. Mary probably didn’t feel like a good mother when she lost Jesus in the temple. We all go through moments where we feel like failures, but it’s just a part of the human experience. Mary seeing her son suffer and die had to have been painful to see as well. We all have problems and despite Mary being blessed by God, she wasn’t immune to the pain and suffering of life.
Protestants often think that Catholics worship Mary. Catholics don’t worship her, but respect her and how close she is with Jesus. We need as much help as possible to get through this life and Mary is a great person to turn to. Just as we may ask a friend or loved one to pray for us, we ask those who have gone before us and are now in Heaven to also pray for us. Mary is very close to Jesus in Heaven, so prayers to her are extra special.
While we need God our Father, we also need a mother in our lives and Mary fills that role perfectly. Mary takes care of us and helps show us the path to take in life. She is a good example of purity in a world that promotes sexual immorality. Mary is not only loving, patient, and kind, but also helps teach us to have faith in Jesus and trust in Him. If we have a good relationship with Mary, we’ll be guaranteed to have a good relationship with Jesus as well. When we have a good Father and a good mother in our lives, we are more likely to turn out to be good children as well.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
