Mary as our Mother
How many of us have contemplated the importance and role that Mary the mother of Jesus has played in Jesus's life as well as our own? For me it comes in waves. It’s a concept that I am reminded of typically during advent (The Christmas season) as well as during Lent (right before Easter).
Growing up Mary was a perfect example of what a mom was supposed to be: loving, gentle, a great listener. I always viewed her as this quiet and yet strong woman. I guess that was also the time when I had no idea what the struggles of parenthood were. In everything we were told at that time she had the perfect motherhood.
As a young girl I was fascinated with Mary due to my grandmother’s devotion. She would devote May and November to praying with Mary for the various challenges they were facing. Today my fascination seems to be limited to how she dealt with a small Jesus and how can I be like her in that regard.
I hope to be able to grow in patience like she held as well as a great love for Jesus. If Mary was around today I can imagine she would be more than comfortable being gentle but firm with those around her. Her gentleness would be an amazing quality as a mom, something I struggle with many times.
At the moment I am trying to encourage myself to grow in my devotion, being as it is the month of Mary’s assumption, it feels like a great month to try to say a daily rosary. It’s a great opportunity to focus on the words given to her and the life of Jesus. Through the various mysteries of the rosary, she brings us closer to her son. If you feel so inclined, I invite you to join me in adding your prayers.
As an adult now, in the midst of raising my own little ones, Mary can be quite daunting to imagine. Some days I view her as the same perfect mother. Other days I wonder how much she must have become frustrated when she failed to communicate a thought to Jesus or Joseph. As a mom in the midst’s of parenthood I wish there were more details written about her daily struggles and daily life. I’m sure they avoided it because it would be removing the focus on Christ.
There are days I definitely feel lost especially when I compare myself to our most blessed mother (Luke 1:42). She was given graces and blessing that the rest of us have not been gifted, so to compare myself to her is unfair. I also need to give myself some grace. I also like to remind myself that I haven’t lost any of my children yet, especially for seven days.
