As we contemplate Mother’s Day we, of course, must contemplate Mary the mother of Jesus. We are mistaken if we assume that Christianity somehow owns or has authored Mary. After all she was a very faithful Jewish girl, who is also revered by Muslims, Hindus and Christians as well. Although Mary is the very best woman that God has offered us, and to emulate, this article considers her maternal love only. And only scratches the surface of that as well.

The characteristics of Mary’s personality are partially found and seen in how she lived and loved in her life and how she was created. We know of her from the descriptions contained in Scripture, her apparitions to humankind over the past two thousand plus years, and of course the revelations of the Holy Spirit (which are unlimited).

Personally, I see Mary every day as I peer upon her face in the icons and statues of her that we have in our home. I quickly move to the picture of my mother, my wife’s mother, meditating on my sisters, my daughters and granddaughters, and resting in the love of my wife Mary Ann… and however the Spirit wishes for that day. My prayer for these women is primarily gratitude as I marvel endlessly at the love that is given to us.

Mary’s beautiful maternal love can be seen in her great fiat, or consent and abandonment to God’s will. She could have said “no”, but didn’t. Her maternal love is, then, shared with her cousin Elizabeth, and with the world in her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), an excited and exuberant shout about her pregnancy and motherhood, and so much more in praise and thanksgiving to God!

THE CANTICLE OF MARY

My soul proclaims the greatness of the

forever.

A poor, single teenage girl and unmarried, Mary immediately went to the core of who she was and was extremely happy. She had time to think of the consequences of her pregnancy, including ultimate rejection (being stoned to death), and was still beyond herself with joy, and had to share it. The event of her pregnancy released so much of the Eternal truth as expressed by her in her Magnificat.

Mary’s maternal love was appreciated and was hers even before she was pregnant. Indeed, she was conceived with it; all women are. It is a love that includes a desire to be part of creation and to nurture that which is created. Thus, all women including those celibates and biologically unable possess the maternal love of God. A woman’s choices can be greatly influenced by God’s maternal love if she allows it.

The task for all people, especially women, is to contemplate and pray (talk with God) about maternal love. Then we are to teach and nurture respect for and exhibit maternal love in our society. And may all women and girls shout their own Magnificat, as the rest of us join their chorus in praise and thanks to God. Happy Mother’s Day, Mary, and all women!