Blessed Virgin Mary

These are just a few thoughts about the mother of Jesus Christ.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is born free of original sin.  What does this mean?  First of all original sin is the sin of disobedience and this is the source of all sin.  That is, sin is disobedience to the Will of God.  Sacred Scripture reveals that Mary was born free of disobedience; it is her nature to be obedient.  The wedding at Cana appears to contradict this, but does it?

The wedding at Cana is described in chapter 2 of John’s Gospel.  When they ran short of wine she said to Jesus, “They have no wine.” Jesus replied to Mary, “Woman, how does your concern affect me?  My hour has not yet come.”  Jesus’ mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”

This is not showing disobedience to Jesus and through him disobedience to God.  She knows full well who he is, even if others do not.  What she is really saying is be obedient to him – do what he says.  She is actually promoting obedience to Jesus Christ – and to God.  Just as in response to the angel Gabriel’s announcement of the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38) Mary’s response is, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.”

Why do we call Mary ‘blessed’?  Because she is and it’s as simple as that.  The message of the angel Gabriel, that Mary was chosen by God, is a clear indication of this.  In addition, when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, Mary responds to her by saying, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.  For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.”

Mary was there with Jesus at the beginning, she was there at the foot of the cross and she was with the Apostles in the upper room.  Mary suffered like any mother would, but she never lost faith and was with the infant Church to give it the support it needed.  She is still with us to this day, directing our attention as always to Jesus Christ.  The Son of the Living God and our Savior.

 

 

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