Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God


Any online search of the Blessed Virgin Mary will reveal hundreds of names for Her. There are dogmas of the Church (Immaculate Conception), geographical names from sites where she has appeared (Our Lady of Guadalupe), & events from Her life (Our Lady of Sorrows). The search will also show that many churches have been named for Her (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal).

Today, January 1, we celebrate under Her name, Mary, Mother of God. This day was instituted by Pope Paul VI in 1970 to commemorate Mary's role in salvation. Many non-Catholics feel the Catholic Church puts too much emphasis on Mary, believing that we worship Her at the level of worshipping Jesus. While we do not worship Her, we do acknowledge that She is deserving of special recognition & honor. God chose Her to be the Mother of His Son -- to be His Mother. 

In his book, "The True Meaning of Christmas", Michael Patrick Barber talks about the parallels between the ark of the covenant in the Old Testament & Mary as the ark in the New Testament. The ark in the Old Testament was not to be touched by anyone due to its holiness. When it was not transported with care, one man reached up to steady it & was immediately struck dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7). From Her Immaculate Conception, Mary, as the ark of the new covenant, Jesus, was protected & kept pure. She, as a virgin, remained untouched so that she could carry & become the Mother of God, free of all sin.


Which name for Mary are you drawn to & why?

How do you honor Mary as the Mother of God? If you don't currently, how can you begin to honor Her?

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