Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, as we celebrate Mother's Day, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the lessons we can learn from her. Mary is an example of a strong, faithful, and courageous woman who endured many hardships in her life. She faced persecution, emotional stress, and uncertainty, yet she remained steadfast in her faith and devotion to God. Her life offers many valuable lessons that we can apply to our own lives, especially for the women in our families who are living up to Mary's legacy.
Firstly, Mary teaches us the value of obedience to God. When the angel Gabriel came to her with the news that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, Mary responded with humility and obedience, saying, "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:38). Mary's obedience to God's plan for her life, even though it was not easy, is an example for all of us. It reminds us that sometimes, we may not understand God's plan for our lives, but we must trust in His wisdom and obey His will. This requires humility, trust, and a deep relationship with God.
Secondly, Mary teaches us the importance of faith. Mary's faith in God never wavered, even in the midst of great trials and difficulties. When she and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt to escape King Herod's persecution, Mary did not lose faith in God's protection and provision. Similarly, when Jesus was crucified, Mary stood by His side, demonstrating her unwavering faith in God's plan for salvation. Mary's faith encourages us to trust in God, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.
Luke 1:39 – 56
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Thirdly, Mary teaches us the value of perseverance. Mary's life was not easy. She faced many challenges, from the ridicule and gossip of her peers, to the danger of persecution and even death. Yet, through it all, she persevered. She continued to trust in God and remained steadfast in her commitment to raising Jesus. Her perseverance is a reminder to us that even when life is difficult, we must keep pressing on. We must remain faithful to God, and not give up in the face of adversity.
We see this in - Luke 2:41 – 51. 41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Hypothetical scenario:
Mary had heard about the miracles that her son Jesus was performing, and the large crowds that were following him. She knew that his message was different from what the people were used to hearing, and that it was causing controversy. But nothing could have prepared her for the day when she was publicly persecuted and ridiculed because of Jesus's ministry.
It was a sunny afternoon, and Mary had gone to the market to buy some food for dinner. As she walked through the crowded streets, she heard whispers and murmurs from the people around her. She tried to ignore them, but then she heard someone shout, "Look, it's Jesus's mother! The mother of that blasphemer!"
Mary froze, feeling as if the ground had opened up beneath her feet. She looked around and saw that people were pointing at her, some of them sneering, others spitting on the ground. She realized with horror that she was being publicly ridiculed and persecuted because of her son's ministry.
She tried to make her way through the crowd, but people kept shouting insults at her. "How could you raise such a rebel?" one man yelled. "You should be ashamed!" shouted a woman. Mary's heart was pounding in her chest, and she felt like she was going to faint.
As she stumbled through the market, Mary realized that she was not the only one being persecuted. She saw other followers of Jesus being mocked and ridiculed, some of them even being beaten by angry mobs. It was as if the whole city had turned against them.
Mary knew that her son's message was true, and that he was doing God's work. But in that moment, she felt so alone and afraid. She prayed silently, asking for strength and courage to endure the persecution.
Eventually, Mary managed to make her way home, where she collapsed on the bed, weeping. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but she also knew that she could rely on her faith and the love of God to carry her through.
Fourthly, Mary teaches us the importance of family. Mary's role as a mother was central to her life. She loved Jesus deeply, and was committed to raising Him in a way that honored God. Mary's love for her family is an example for us. It reminds us of the importance of investing in our families, of nurturing relationships with our children and spouses, and of making family a priority in our lives.
Luke 2:51 - 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Finally, Mary teaches us the value of sacrificial love. Mary's love for Jesus was sacrificial. She was willing to endure great pain and suffering for the sake of her son. She watched as He was arrested, beaten, and ultimately crucified, yet she remained by His side, offering her love and support. Mary's love reminds us of the sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated for us on the cross. It reminds us of the importance of laying down our lives for others, and of the power of love to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
John 19:25-27 - 25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[b] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Just picture and imagine this. I think these were the thoughts of Mary as her Son was being crucified.
Hypothetical scenario...
Mary watched in horror as her son, the one she had carried in her womb and raised with Joseph, was being nailed to the cross. She could hardly bear to see him in such pain and agony as she heard his screams and cries with every lash of the whip and strike of the hammer.
"Why, God, why?" she thought. "Why did you let this happen to him? He was so good, so kind, so full of love. How could this be part of your plan?"
As she watched Jesus suffer, Mary couldn't help but think back on his life. She remembered the joy she felt when he was born, the wonder she experienced as he grew into a wise and compassionate young man. She recalled the miracles he performed, the way he healed the sick and fed the hungry. And now, here he was, dying on a cross like a common criminal.
Through her tears, Mary thought of the prophecies that had foretold this moment. She remembered how Simeon had told her that a sword would pierce her own heart too. (Luke, chapter 2, verses 34-35) She tried to find solace in the fact that Jesus was fulfilling God's plan, that he was sacrificing himself for the salvation of humanity.
But it was hard. It was so hard to see her son suffer like this. Mary felt a deep sense of sorrow and loss, knowing that she would never see him again in this life.
As Jesus spoke his last words, Mary's heart broke. She wept for her son, for herself, for all the pain and suffering in the world. But she also felt a sense of hope, knowing that Jesus had conquered death and that his sacrifice would bring salvation to all who believed.
In her heart, Mary knew that her son was in the hands of God. She prayed for strength to carry on, for faith to believe that everything would be made right in the end. And she hoped that others would come to know the love and grace that her son had shown to the world.
As we reflect on the life of Mary, let us praise those strong women in our families who are living up to her legacy. Let us honor the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters who have made sacrifices for us, who have persevered through difficulties, and who have demonstrated a deep faith in God. Let us celebrate their love, their dedication, and their unwavering commitment to their families.
At the same time, let us also remember that Mary's legacy is not just for women.
Mary's example is one that is relevant for all of us, regardless of gender. Her life shows us the importance of obedience, faith, perseverance, family, and sacrificial love. These are qualities that we should all strive to cultivate in our own lives, regardless of whether we are mothers, fathers, sons, or daughters.
Moreover, Mary's legacy reminds us of the value of all women in our lives. Women have played important roles throughout history, and their contributions should not be overlooked or minimized. Women are often the backbone of families and communities, providing love, support, and guidance. They are the ones who bear and raise children, who nurture relationships, and who often make great sacrifices for the sake of their loved ones.
In conclusion, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is an example for all of us. Her life offers many valuable lessons that we can apply to our own lives, regardless of gender. She teaches us the importance of obedience, faith, perseverance, family, and sacrificial love. On this Mother's Day, let us praise the strong women in our families who are living up to Mary's legacy, and let us strive to cultivate these same qualities in our own lives. Let us also remember to advocate for women's rights and to work towards a world where all women are valued and respected. May God bless all of the mothers and mother figures in our lives, and may He give us the strength and wisdom to follow in Mary's footsteps. Amen.
