Mary was a woman who experienced emotions, such as heartache and sorrow, and accepted life’s challenges by following God’s plan, writes Julie VanSpall. (Stephen VanSpall Photo)
As mentioned in my last column, I occasionally feel uncertain when questioned about my faith. I know what I believe; however, I often lack the right words or the theological background to explain these beliefs to others.
In my next few articles, I will try to articulate my thoughts on some of the most frequent comments I hear. Today, I will reflect on Marian doctrine, which is natural to Catholics, yet foreign to many people of other faiths.
Some dispute the Immaculate Conception of Mary, viewing it as impossible and questioning how a human being could truly be conceived without original sin. They accept Jesus’ perfection because Jesus is actually God, while Mary was merely human.
Having always had Mary in my life, I can’t understand how she couldn’t be free from the tarnish of original sin. Mary’s body was chosen to bear and nurture God, incarnate; her soul, therefore, had to be pure to make her worthy of this honour. An exceptionally faithful person may have done a “good” job of carrying Jesus and even raising him, but Mary was chosen – even before her conception – as the ideal and, effectively, the only option for the Mother of God.
I’ve heard people say that Mary is not a strong female figure, but rather someone who didn’t speak up. Perhaps she is just too far removed from their experience to identify with her, yet Mary is a powerful role model.
In the Bible we hear how Mary kept things in her heart, both at the birth of Jesus – in a barn! – (Lk 2:19) and when Jesus was lost
in the temple twelve years later (Lk 2:51). We don’t hear that Mary didn’t feel the emotions we feel, or experience the ups and downs of human
existence; we simply hear that which is truly important: how she handled
herself, biting her tongue in the face of stress, danger, and grief (something
which requires more strength than I certainly have). Mary trusted God and
followed his plan. I can never be as perfect as Mary, but reading about her and
conversing with her in prayer both inspire me to improve my efforts.
I have been asked about the Assumption and why Mary needs a body. Some apparently feel that Mary is now “aimless.”
Rather than being aimless, however, Mary is specifically assigned to help us. She is a mother figure to everyone, and spends eternity praying constantly and purposefully on our behalf.
With these thoughts in mind, I celebrated the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, sitting next to my 18-year-old son. During the homily, our priest stated that calling to mind a mother’s voice must evoke feelings of calm and peace. When I reflect on my own mother, I think of patience and love, but I couldn’t help wondering what my son was thinking.
Did he think of the days when I sang and read endless story books to him? Did he remember me saying prayers with him or speaking encouraging words? My fear was that the only voice the word “mother” brought to mind for him was that of a nag.
Kendra Tierney, mother of nine and author of the blog Blessed is She, reflects on this concept humorously and honestly in her post entitled How Not to Get a Feast Day Celebrating Your Motherhood.
She states, “In all things, I suppose, but especially in my motherhood, I’m quick to talk, and quick to assume, and to momsplain, and to condemn. I’m more likely to keep things in my mouth than in my heart. That’s not the kind of thing that gets a person a solemnity celebrating her as a mother.”
I won’t get a solemnity to celebrate my motherhood either, and I certainly don’t have all the theological answers on the doctrine of Mary. Nonetheless, I can confidently state that God created Mary, full of grace, in order to give our world a saviour, and that she is a role model.
Furthermore, since she spends her heaven interceding for us, I must profess that Mary continues to assist God in saving the world, “pray(ing) for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death(s).