The Mother of All of Us
“Mom, do you think Dad will allow me to go the school dance with Mike?” inquired the young teenager of her mother. Hesitating briefly while pondering the question, her mother thoughtfully replied, “I do not know. Let me gingerly approach your father about the dance; then I will advise you on the best way to ask him.” The daughter was asking the great intercessor of all children to help her convince her father about something she wanted and was apprehensive about his response. Later that day, the mother whispered some advice to her daughter as she prepared to seek her father’s approval to attend the dance with Mike. His approval was obtained much more easily than she expected. Oh, how effective mothers are in interceding for their children with fathers, teachers, friends, and even perceived enemies! Mothers often are the glue that holds families together, providing advice and wisdom to their children and husbands.
Since the beginning of time, mothers have been the intercessors for their family members, soothing hurt feelings and then helping to overcome any riff within the family. While it has been suggested that women are dominated by men, it is more accurate to realize the amazing power of women to influence and direct men towards the goals or interests of women. Having been married for 32 years prior to my wife’s death, I can recall many instances where my wife influenced my habits and decisions by “playing me like an accomplished pianist plays a piano.” In truth I grew to appreciate and love her intercessions.
In his gospel, St. John relates the occasion when Jesus converted water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. Initially Jesus was reluctant to interfere in the matter, but capitulates to his mother’s desire. It should be noted that Mary turned to the servers at the wedding saying, “Do whatever he tells you.” She knew that Jesus would respond in a positive manner. As is with most men, Jesus could not disappoint his mother. He proceeded to change the water into wine. Mary, the mother of God, interceded with him for the benefit of the hosts of the wedding. Catholics see Mary as the Mother of God; as someone to be honored and revered and as mankind’s intercessor with her son who is God.
Catholics do not now nor have ever adored or worshipped Mary. The myth that Catholics adore Mary has circulated for decades, no….for centuries, but it is just that….a myth. Catholics do honor and revere Mary as the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. She is the great intercessor for all of us with her son Jesus. In documents issued by the Catholic Church during Vatican II, the Church unambiguously states, “Following the study of Sacred Scripture, the Holy Fathers, the doctors and liturgy of the Church, and under the guidance of the Church’s magisterium, let them rightly illustrate the duties and privileges of the Blessed Virgin which always look to Christ, the source of all truth, sanctity and piety.(The underlines are the author’s.) Let them assiduously keep away from whatever, either by word or deed, could lead separated brethren or any other into error regarding the true doctrine of the Church. Let the faithful remember moreover that true devotion consists neither in sterile or transitory affection, nor in a certain vain credulity, but proceeds from true faith, by which we are led to know the excellence of the Mother of God, and we are moved to a filial love toward our mother and to the imitation of her virtues.” Thus it is abundantly clear from this and numerous other Church sources that Mary is honored and revered as the Mother of Jesus (GOD), but not as equal to God in any manner. Mary is a creature just as are all other humans; she is not the creator. Mary is our spiritual mother and an intercessor for mankind with her son Jesus. Similar to our earthly mothers, Mary is loving and caring for all her children, always eager to comfort, help and intercede for us as we journey towards a greater knowledge and love for Jesus.
The Church summarizes the relationship between Jesus and Mary in Chapter VIII of the document, “Lumen Gentium” issued during Vatican II as follows.
“There is but one Mediator as we know from the words of the apostle, “for there is one God and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a redemption for all”. The maternal duty of Mary toward men in no wise obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows His power. For all the salvific influence of the Blessed Virgin on men originates, not from some inner necessity, but from the divine pleasure. It flows forth from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, rests on His mediation, depends entirely on it and draws all its power from it. In no way does it impede, but rather does it foster the immediate union of the faithful with Christ.”
Mary’s role within humankind is to assist it toward the love and adoration of Jesus (God). She is the most loving of intercessors. As such, mankind should seek her help and direction as man seeks God.
Suggested Reading
Chapter VIII of “Lumen Gentium” The document is readily available on numerous Internet sites, including Vatican.VA.