What does Our Lady give to those who live the Christian life?
Our Lady was the first disciple of Christ, therefore she is the leader in faith – there was no precedent for her to follow. She was always close Him and knew Him best. The witness and example of her life is that of a person completely dedicated to Him and accepting the events of His life. Although very few of her words and actions are narrated in the Gospels; "What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based upon what it believes about Christ." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 487) While our understanding of Christ is based upon the Scripture and Tradition, her understanding was from first hand experience of Him from the moment of the Annunciation.
She said "yes" immediately to God without delaying or presenting conditions.
She took risks – the accusation of adultery, she lost her home for God, she publicly associated herself with His public ministry (Cana and in Jerusalem before the passion, and as Tradition relates, accompanying Him throughout Galilee and Judea), she associated herself publicly at his execution as a common criminal. Her human example here is unquestionably inspiring.
At a deeper level she is a vehicle of grace in the highest capacity: she gave birth to Christ, nurtured His human life and supported His ministry throughout, surrendering her will to the Father and her heart to the work of her Son. As a first hand witness of Christ’s human life she saw the fullness of truth – which we don’t see. She saw Christ as truth – which we don’t always see (Matthew 2: 11, Luke 2: 19, 43 – 35, 48 -51, John 2: 3 – 5, 19: 26 – 27). She shared the Passion, suffering interiorly everything that her son suffered. She associated herself with the apostles after the Resurrection (Acts 1:14), and obviously had a very special role with them, confirming them and helping to establish the Church.
She lived a sinless life – unique in human history (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 491); she is the only human person who has not had to die – this makes her a very special person.
Christ gave her to us as our mother (John 19: 26 – 27). Her relationship to Christ extends to the Church and flows from it (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 964). Christ was obedient to his mother and listened to her; Christ will listen to her still (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 970). Her motherhood now is to help us to find and see truth (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 969). She knew Him the best, therefore she is the most important saint.
She has appeared many times over the centuries to guide the Church:
To the apostle James, in Spain, to confirm him in his mission.
In 1061 in Walsingham, England, to establish a special shrine in her honour and to enable God’s plan for England to be realised.
In 1531 in Guadalupe, Mexico, to promote the mission of the Church in the new world and to assure Christians of her help.
In 1854 in Lourdes, France, in order to reassert the truth about religion in "enlightened", post-revolutionary, and war-initiating Europe (France and Britain had just declared was against Russia).
In 1917, in Fatima, Portugal, to renew people’s dedication to God’s Will in the face of war, revolution and politics.
Possibly also in 1981 in Medugorje, Croatia, to declare again the truth about God and the Gospel at a time when the culture of death is advancing.
These appearances are for us a source of protection and joy, enabling us to sense her presence and her concern for us. She is very approachable and she wants us to address her personally. She has a great love for mankind or she would not be interceding for us.
She is important to us since, although she is very close to Christ our Judge, she is one of us. She leads us to her son. She is the mediator of all grace – through her we have received Christ. We all need a male and a female influence – Heaven is not just a male province. There is not a wife but a mother. We can approach God through her as in the miracle at Cana where she propelled her son into his public life. In the Old Testament, the King’s mother sat at the right side of the throne as her son’s adviser. (1 Kings 2: 19) Her powers are so great that she can in some way influence God – appease his anger!
How do we traditionally honour her?
There is normally a Lady chapel in every church, giving her the most special place of honour after the Blessed sacrament.
The Rosary – in which we pray words directly from the Gospel. She was present at every mystery.
The Litany – the most beautiful phrases used historically to praise her, she who started off our salvation.
Pilgrimage – she, in a human way, leads us to her Son. She gives and creates opportunities for us. She influenced his life, she can influence ours. She is particularly important for people who have never had a mother or who have had a bad mother.
Processions – to honour Our Lady.
The Little Office of Our Lady, the Hail Holy Queen, the Memorare, the Angelus are specific prayers to the Blessed Mother and remind us of the co-operation of Our Lady with our Salvation.
Statues and icons – Our Lady is usually portrayed showing Christ to the world. Without her we would not have had a saviour.
In these ways we can share in her love for her son and increase our own attitude of gratitude and devotion – she increases and completes our devotion to Christ. Because she said ‘Yes’, what a fountain of wisdom she has become!
Our Lady, cause of our joy!
