"In fact, there is present in the "womanhood" of a woman who believes...a powerfully evocative symbolism, a highly significant "iconic character," which finds its full realization in Mary and which aptly expresses the very essence of the Church as a community consecrated with the integrity of a "virgin" heart to become the "bride" of Christ and "mother" of believers." (John Paul II, Letter to Women, 11)
While there is great peace and joy to be found in realizing our dignity in who God created us to be as man and woman, there is also a great challenge and responsibility. The heart of what it means to be a woman is reflected in the beauty and grace of the Church. As members of the Church, we are all called to fulfill that role to some degree. Mary lived her life in a perfect representation of the Church as virgin, bride, and mother. As virgin, she exemplifies the virtue of purity. Purity of thought, purity of action, purity of desire. Her every word, her every relationship, was dedicated to the purest motive of bringing others to her Son. When we ask Mary to pray for us, we ask with confidence knowing that her prayers are pure and without our own selfish motives. As
bride, Mary personifies service. At the Wedding at Cana, Mary served the wedding party by ensuring an abundance of wine. But she serves us today with the same words she spoke then: "Do whatever He tells you." She serves us best by fulfilling the deepest needs of our heart, directing us to Jesus. As mother, Mary embodies sacrificial giving. In motherhood, a woman gives her body, her energy and her life to nurture and care for her child. Mary sacrificed the greatest gift of her Son to nurture her spiritual children, to give us the opportunity to know Love.The Church answers to the same call to be virgin, bride and mother. We are called to purity of heart, purity of prayer, purity of spirit. Today, ask yourself where selfishness and greed taint your motives. Ask Mary to be an example of humility and generosity. We are called to serve others in the way that Mary served humanity, always leading others to Christ. It is the richest service we can offer another. Today, ask Mary to help you recognize where God might be using you to lead another to Him. We are called to make a sincere gift of ourselves in a sacrificial way as spiritual mothers. In placing the needs of others before our own, we invite God to work through our gift. Today, invite the Holy Spirit to give you the courage and the strength to give of yourself in a new way so that another may be nurtured and cared for. Reflect on the great sacrifice of Mary and pray in gratitude for her example of perfect motherhood.
(Reflection by Michelle Z.)
Mary, spotless Bride and icon of the Church, pray for us!
1 comment:
Michele, that was beautiful! The quote you picked was great - it is so good to reflect on the images that God shows us of what He wants us to be!
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