MARY, THE MODEL OF FAITH

What the Catholic faith believed about Mary is based on what it believed about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn its faith in Christ. 

God sent forth his Son, but to prepare a body for him, he wanted the free cooperation of a creature. For this, from all eternity God chose for the mother of his Son a daughter of Israel, a young Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee, a virgin betrothed to man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

Throughout the Old Covenant the mission of many holy women prepared for that of Mary. Mary stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord who confidently hopes for and receives salvation from him. After a long period of waiting the times are fulfilled in her, the exalted Daughter of Zion and the new plan of salvation was established.

To become the mother of the Saviour, Mary was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role. We recall Evangelist Luke’s account on the story of the annunciation – the angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. When it was announced that she would give birth to the Son of the Most High, Mary responded with the Obedience of Faith.  Mary, the inexperienced young woman, believed,     certain that everything will be fulfilled by God. When Mary consented to God’s Word, she became the Mother of Jesus.

By faith, she gave birth to her only son, keeping her virginity intact. By faith, she trusted Joseph, her husband, and took the infant Jesus to Egypt to save him from Herod’s persecution (cf.  Mt.2:13-15).  With the same faith, she followed the Lord in his preaching and remained with him all the way to Golgotha (Jn. 19:25-27). By faith, Mary tasted the fruits of Jesus’ resurrection, and treasuring every memory in her heart (cf. 2:19, 51), she passed them on to the Twelve assembled with her in the Upper Room to receive the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:14; 2:1-4). Mary’s faith is commended in these words: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (cf. Lk 1: 45).

From the beginning Mary knew that Jesus was the Son of God, and often the hand of God was manifested in events surrounding him. Mary did not understand everything that happened or everything her son Jesus said and did (Luke 2:33, 48-50). "But she treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (verse 19, see also verse 51). In faith she knew God was in charge, and that is what really matters.

Mary’s humble faith is apparent in the account of the wedding at Cana. Jesus on the other hand showed a great respect for his mother’s faith that he performed a miracle at her request.

Let us emulate the Virgin Mary in her faith especially during this Year of Faith. It be proper to organise pilgrimages, celebrations and gatherings at the major Marian Shrines (regarding this, please inquire from your respective Parishes or Dioceses).

Source:

The Door of Faith, Paulines Publications Africa, Year of publication 2012

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paulines Publications Africa, 11^th reprint 2012