Solemnity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
(Number 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21)
A Jewish hospice nurse once told a priest that she was
interested in becoming Catholic. The
priest told her to get in touch with the RCIA director. Then he told the director to expect her
call. The director, who had many years
of experience, responded doubtfully. The director said that he had spoken with many
people who expressed interest in Catholicism.
But, he added, relatively few come for instructions. A similar “interested but” group appears in
today’s gospel.
The passage tells of the shepherds sharing what they have
heard and seen of Jesus with others. The
people to whom they speak are said to be “amazed.” But that is all. Evidently they do not investigate themselves much
less give praise to God. Like the seed
that fell on rocky ground in Jesus’ parable, they fall away when effort is demanded
of them. If the word of God is to bear fruit,
it must be reflected upon in the heart.
This is exactly what Mary does in the gospel.
Today we celebrate the solemnity of Mary, the Mother of
God. The title really says more about
Jesus than it does bout Mary. It is
meant to express our belief that Jesus, the human son of Mary, has a divine
nature as well. Because the divine nature
is present along with the human, Mary is said to be the “Mother of God.”
Although we want to honor Mary as Jesus’ mother, we
should honor her more for reflecting on all that happens to her son. She shows herself to be his disciple. Of course, she will have to follow Jesus
carrying her own cross which apparently she does. Let us do the same: meditate upon the gospel
in our hearts and take up our cross after him.
