Mary’s Enduring Mission

 

Mary’s Enduring Mission

“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.” Luke 1:26-27  Most Christians will recognize in those words that Mary is about to be invited by God to become the mother of the Christ child.  Mary was the one chosen from before the beginning of time to bring our savior, Jesus Christ into the world.  We should also appreciate that Mary’s mission was not fully accomplished that starry night in the stable at Bethlehem.  Her mission is one that does and will endure until the end of this world as we know it.  Mary’s mission was not only to give birth to Jesus; her mission is to continue to bring Jesus to the world, and the world to Jesus.

I have just returned home from a two-week pilgrimage to shrines of Mary in Portugal, Spain and France.  I had the privilege of being able to serve at the altar as deacon at places like the Apparition Grotto is Lourdes and the Apparition Chapel at Fatima.  I visited places where Mary is especially honored such as Our Lady of Montserrat.  About six years ago I was at Knock in Ireland.  Two years ago, I was in Ephesus and visited the house where the Apostle John cared for Mary after Jesus’ ascension.  And I live just 25 minutes away from the only approved Marian apparition in the United States – Our Lady of Champion.

In those places, where she has spoken, Mary has delivered a consistent and at-times urgent message drawing people back into close and right relationship with God, especially through increased prayer.  Mary draws no one to herself; she draws people to her Son.  

There is something incredibly peaceful about anyplace Mary has appeared or is honored. Mary does not bring the sense of peace.  It is her Son who brings a peace the world cannot give.  

And, in these places, there are many healings.  Mary does not heal.  It is her Son who continues to heal just as he healed many during his ministry on earth.  

Mary demonstrates the Father's answer to Jesus' prayer for his followers at the Last Supper. "And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are." John 17:11   Mary is in full communion with God; in her life she never expressed any desire other than to do the will of the Father and of the Son.  And so, where she is, there is her Son.  And Mary continues to do what she has been charged to do: she keeps offering her Son to us.  The age-old question for each of us is, will you receive Him?

I have yet to visit Mexico where Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego over 500 years ago, but I have read the story countless times.  The words she spoke to him always warm my heart.  “Am I not your Mother?”

Is she not your Mother?  She cares for you.  She loves you.  She wants only your eternal happiness, and she knows that the only way to eternal happiness is through her son, the Son – Jesus Christ.  

His Peace <><

Deacon Dan      

Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

PS  I appreciate that this essay is more direct than my usual style.  However, I was so moved by my pilgrimage that I felt compelled to write this essay, this way.  Embers has now exceeded 40,000 views; I appreciate all who take the time to read.  God bless.