At the recent symposium “The Presence of the Virgin Mary in the Life of the Church,” held at the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus on October 3, Fr. Pascal Robert, OFM, offered a deeply pastoral and moving reflection on “Mother Mary: A Woman of Faith, Hope, and Courage.” His presentation invited participants to contemplate the life of the Blessed Virgin not only as a mystery of divine grace but as a living model of Christian discipleship. In his thoughtful address, Fr. Robert illuminated Mary’s humanity—her daily faithfulness, her perseverance in trials, and her courageous acceptance of God’s plan—as the qualities that make her both the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of the Church.
Fr. Robert traced the Virgin Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Calvary, showing her as the woman who believed, suffered, and loved without reserve. Her faith at the Annunciation, her steadfast hope at the Cross, and her compassionate courage in every circumstance reveal her as a true disciple and a guiding light for the Church in every age. With sensitivity and depth, he reminded the faithful that Mary’s life continues to inspire all Christians to live with humility, trust, and sacrificial love. In her, Fr. Robert said, we discover not only a mother who intercedes for us, but also the very image of the Church—faithful, prayerful, and courageous in the face of the world’s challenges.
MOTHER MARY: A WOMAN OF FAITH, HOPE AND COURAGE
FR. PASCAL ROBERT OFM
Who was this remarkable woman who had been tasked with rearing, providing for and looking after the Son of God?
As all of us are aware that the witnessing of the painful reality of the passion and the brutal death on the Cross of Jesus, the awesome encounter with the risen Lord and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit compelled the apostles and the early Church to reflect their journey with Jesus from the beginning, his life, the healing and wholeness he brought to the lives of people, his compassionate relationship with the sinners and the marginalized and the transforming impact of his teaching on the society enslaved by the powers of evil in the light of new perspective of their faith and experience of Jesus the Redeemer and Saviour of the world.
The same was also true about Mother Mary. The Biblical narratives related to Mother Mary, and the writings of the Church Fathers are the reflections of the apostles and the early church a testimony of the role Mother Mary played in the life of Jesus and the Salvific plans of God, as she loved, cared, nurtured and followed him as he grew in wisdom and understanding of God the Father’s plans for him and the salvation of humanity. She stood with him and fully shared in His pain of rejection, being mocked, persecuted and died on the Cross. The hearts of the apostles and the early church were purified by the blood of Jesus on the Cross but they also deeply empathies with the pain and suffering of the mother of Jesus who patiently followed Him to the Cross, for Him and her all that mattered was that she was there with him as her total consent to Salvific plans of God. As God revealed to the apostles and disciples of Jesus, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One, Listen to Him’ (Lk. 9:35), before parting from the world Jesus gave Virgin Mary to the Church as their mother, inspiration, protector and intercessor when from the Cross he told the beloved disciple pointing to Mother Mary, ‘Your Mother’ and the disciple brought her home. Jesus did this because he wanted his followers to imitate her as true disciple and listen to her as she leads them in living a redeemed life and gives them the inner courage and strength to persevere in the persecution for the gospel life and as they wholeheartedly carry on the mission mandate of Jesus, bringing Good News to all nations and her presence assured them of Jesus’ promise that He will be with them till the end of time. Her role was so significant in the early church and in the life of every follower of Jesus that they must be asking in their prayers and life together, who was this remarkable woman who had been tasked with rearing, providing for and looking after the Son of God? Further filled with awe and spiritually strengthen by the grace filled life and exemplary discipleship of Mother Mary, they must felt challenged, how a simple human person can be full of grace and can excel to such a level of holiness that she be chosen by God to be the mother of God’s Son, mother of the Church and an inspiration of faith in Jesus for all generation.
The Virgin Mary has been honoured and venerated as Mother of God since first centuries of Christianity. One of the paintings in the catacombs of Saint Priscilla represents the Virgin with her Child in her arms and a prophet, probably Isaiah, at her side. The other two paintings correspond to the Annunciation and to the Epiphany. All of the paintings mentioned are of the second century. In the catacombs of St. Peter and St. Marcellinus, one admirable painting of the third or fourth century represents Mary between Saints Peter and Paul. There, Mary is portrayed praying with her arms extended. One magnificent demonstration of the Marian devotion is the prayer “We fly to thy patronage’ that dates back up to the third to fourth century, and that illustrates the intercession of Mary. The Fathers of the Church during the fourth century praise the Mother of God in many and diverse ways. The various feasts and devotions emerged as reflections of the love and reverence faithful have for Mother Mary from the first centuries and throughout the history of the Church, but were also meant to highlight the biblical narrative about Jesus in relation to the role assigned to Mary by God and the role she continue to play as the first who believed in Jesus as the Son of God, the Word made flesh, the fulfilment of God’s promises, the Saviour and the Redeemer of the world. Among other devotions, the prayer of Rosary reveals Mother Mary’s role in the life of Jesus and the Salvation History. It is praying with the heart of Virgin Mary, with the love of Mary for her Son, with her faith and her hope. Mother Mary accompany us in our faith journey to know, love and follow Jesus in all aspects of our life. She leads us to internalizing of the life and teaching of Jesus as she contemplated on the mysteries of her Son’s life and “pondered all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2: 19).
Mother Mary continues to guide, inspire, console and encourage the faithful confronted with challenges through various apparitions in different parts of the world. These places of sacred encounters have become sanctuaries and shrines which inspire pilgrimages to a life of holiness, peace and reconciliation.
Who was this remarkable woman who had been tasked with rearing, providing for and looking after the Son of God?
This is a question most of adamant followers of Jesus grows up with as they reverently participated in various devotions to Mother Mary at home and parishes as well as visit various shrines associated with Mother Mary all over world. Sacred Scriptures reveal Mother Mary a remarkable woman. What can we learn today in own context and the global reality about Christian values and faith convictions from the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus and the Mother of the Church?
FAMILY ORIENTED PERSON
Mary of Nazareth was an ordinary woman. She grew up as a young Jewish girl in a small town in the Palestinian Galilee. As her parents were devout Jewish, beside grooming her in human values, they did their daughter’s religious formation according to the Sacred Scriptures and ethical norms and traditions. Thus, Mary grew listening to the readings of the Torah and the Prophets at home and in the synagogue. The Hebrew Scriptures were integral part of her prayer and her mode of life as a woman of Nazareth. She was aware of her parent’s love, care and sacrifices as well as the importance of respecting and being obedient to her parents. She cheerfully fulfilled her responsibilities towards family and society as expected from a girl. Her relationship with God began with the history of her people, personalized with her birth and God choose her in time to lead the whole humanity to new horizon, the actualization of God’s promises. She knew that their life as individuals and community is guided by God through the Torah. When she was of marriageable age, her parents promised her to Joseph. The Annunciation occurred during the phase of her betrothal.
Mother Mary and St. Joseph were conscientious and responsible parents. They fulfilled their family, social and religious responsibilities with great commitment. Mother Mary and St. Joseph accepted God’s will to be human collaborate in bringing Jesus to the world. God is the author of life and children are God’s gift to the parents. Human life is not confined to human intervention; every person’s life has its origin in God and is therefore sacred. In the profession of faith, we say, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life.” God has given parents the responsibility to be the caretakers of the children entrusted in their care. We all wish to model our families to the Holy Family. Mother Mary and St. Joseph knew well that the best education for children was how parents live their believes and convictions in their day-to-day life. They faithfully fulfilled all their religious and temporal responsibility with utmost commitment.
Jesus spends about 30 years with Mother Mary and St. Joseph. He received his human and spiritual formation within the Holy family, always focused on the mission of His Father and obedient to his parents as collaborators of God. Thus, during these years of formation, he grew in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and people (Luke 2:52). Jesus, the Word became flesh revealed to us God as our Father who is compassionate towards all His creatures. God as Father and Creator of all, Jesus unites whole humanity into a family of God, people who live a life which reflects the sacredness of their life and relationships. Jesus was born in a family, and he respected, admired and values relationships. He knew the importance of religious, cultural and social traditions which bind and strengthen families as well as fostering integrated personalities and responsible people. Holy Family faithfully participated in all religious obligations; His parents traveled a long distanced to register themselves in the census and on a question, Jesus said people must fulfill their duties towards the state. He participated in social activities, related to people of all circles of life and used these occasions to transform their lives with love and mercy to truthful and just path. He attended the marriage ceremonies in the family, consoled friends in the moments of sadness and enjoyed hospitality, making all these gathering to deepen their faith, leading them to path of salvation and preparing them for a life of glory in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus from the birth was in solidarity with the poor. His parents struggled to find a suitable place where Mother Mary could give birth to Jesus. The Son of God was born in a manger in utter poverty. He could have chosen another place, but he chose a crib. He wanted the poor of the world to know that they were loved by God and that Jesus’ birth is Good News for them. Mother Mary and St. Joseph bravely faced the challenges of ordinary poor parents to assure conducive and save environment for the newly born baby Jesus. All parents are blessed in Mother Mary and St. Joseph as they fulfil their responsibilities and bring up their families in loving and caring environment.
Mother Mary is an inspiration of humbleness and self-emptying and total self-giving to God for the service of His people as pleasing to God and sharing in eternal the glory of God. A life of humility and meekness was reflected in Jesus’ whole life and was an integral part of His mission. He king who came to be in solidarity with the poorest of the world, he transformed their lives with acceptance, love and compassion. He taught his disciples that God’s Kingdom can only become a reality through service and sacrifice, a heart that feels for others, by selfless service and readiness to sacrifice for others. His whole life from the crib to the Cross was lived close to the poorest of the poor. He came for the lost and remained on the road in search of them to share with them the love and mercy of God. Jesus said and asked them to do the same. “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Mt. 8:19–20). As God is concerned for the poor and the needy, they were the focus of his ministry and decisions. As they go through pain and suffering due to rejection, contempt of their fellow human beings, homeless, victim of human hate and aggression. He inculcates in his disciples the values of the kingdom through his life. Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is only possible when one renounces the values of the world and put their lives in the hands of God.
Thus, Mother Mary and St. Joseph are example of responsible parenthood. To be parents is a grace of God and a very important responsibility. Parents slog hard to earn enough money to provide shelter, clothing, food and education to their children. But equality important is to provide their children spiritual and ethical formation which would help them to live a meaningful and responsible life. Parents need to give their children time and be with them rather them living then on the mercy of the television, mobiles and computers. Nothing can be substitute for the responsibilities and presence of parents. Parents must thank God for the gift of children and present them to God to protect, strengthen and guide them to a happy and grace filled life. Parents must be aware that a family that prayers together, stays together.
A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH
As a perfect follower of Christ, Mother Mary consented to God’s plan. In the moment of decision, her faith in God’s plan for her was stronger than her human fears, uncertainties and reservations, she surrendered to God’s will, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Her acceptance of Jesus in the core of her being, was also beginning of her faith journey following Jesus from Incarnation, to bringing healing and wholeness with God’s love and mercy to the lives of those lost and overburden, closely following Jesus in his passion and death on the Cross, his glorious Resurrection and Accession to God His Father. The goal of her life was to grow every moment in awareness of God’s salvific plans for humanity through Jesus, to grow in intimacy with the saviour of the world and to grow in following him as believer.
Mother Mary, representing all men and women of faith entrusted herself to God completely, manifesting ‘the obedience of faith’ to him who spoke to her through his messenger. Her “Yes” is also profession of faith of all believers to be ever open to the action of the Holy Spirit who empowers with divine life and spiritual gifts in order to collaborate wholeheartedly with the ‘grace of God. Mother Mary acknowledged with gratitude the deep connectedness of God with Her people. He has been faithful to His people in all circumstances and true to His promises. Mother Mary continue to inspire and help us to be true believers in listening and accepting God’s plans for us and in putting our faith in action by eagerly being at the service of most needy of the community and the society.
MARY A WOMAN OF HOPE
Jesus chose Mother Mary at the Cross as the best person among whole human beings to lead and keep his followers, the Church in her love, protection and care. She was the first and the perfect believer who accepted the Word of God in life, took up her Cross and followed him to Calvary and received the Crown of salvation. Jesus knew the blessedness of her mother, when he said that blessed is the one who accepts the Word of God and live accordingly. Therefore, she is the most credible and competent to lead us to Jesus. In his public life she followed him and in suffering when his disciples left of fear, she fearlessly accompanied him, she knew the narrow road, passion and suffering of Jesus from close and knew well the reward of the faithful the new life, glory of God, life that has no end.
Mother Mary knew Jesus as God with us, the Savior of the needy and the one who stands with them in their struggles. Mother Mary knows that God’s promise of giving humanity new life is realized in Jesus. Human must follow him faithfulness, she always admonishes to all generations, “Do what He tells you.” Mother Mary teaches an important lesson, if we follow Jesus sincerely and live by His teaching we will experience abundance of blessings, a life full of joy and peace. She wishes as the mother of the Church that our lives be guided by His teaching.
A WOMEN OF COURAGE
Mother Mary was deeply aware that her journey would not be easy, but she was equally aware that she was not alone, she was in the hand of God and His Salvific plans would be fulfilled in Jesus. She was both a mother who curdled baby Jesus in her arms with exhaustible affection and adored him with fervent believer.
After receiving the heavenly news of being chosen by God to be the mother of the Lord, Mother Mary does not seek any privilege or prestige
place for herself. Instead, on hearing about her cousin Elizabeth being with a child in her old age, Mother Mary decides to visit her and to take care of her. Mother Mary shows that to be a handmade of God means to be at the service of all those in need of our love, attention and care. Mother Mary’s submission to God means to offer her humble service with total and trusting acceptance of the divine plan of salvation.
Jesus reminds us that he carries Cross of our pain and suffering, but we are never free of our responsibility of collaborating with God by following him and knowing that his grace is always available to the believers, but he waits for our readiness to accept participation in his redeeming mission in the world. To be a Christian is to live a “cruciform life,” a kind of existence that is shaped by and through the cross. Thus, the Cross of Jesus does not simply teach us that Christ has died, but also teaches us how to live, a life that is lived for others with sacrificial love.
The support Jesus treasured most in his passion is the silent presence of Mother Mary. She understands him and his suffering best, because she is the human collaborator in God’s salvific plans. She is deeply aware of God’s life-giving presence in human life and transforming intervention in human history. Her presence gives Jesus’ strength, and her love comforts and lessens his pain. Her loving presence heals not only the wounds that pains his sacred body, but also heals him from human betrayal, rejection and aggression. Mother Mary teaches us that silent support and prayers are of great importance for those suffering on life’s journey, as is our sensitivity and concern for them. Our loving, faithful service, and reassuring Christian presence is also significant, for the good of the society.
For every man and woman in this world, the meeting of Jesus and his mother on the way to Calvary is a powerful event which reflects the lives of so many mothers today who are severely suffering for their children, those wrongly convicted, unjustly treated for their faith convictions, oppressed and exploited, abused and discriminated, hungry and forced to live in subhuman conditions. The meeting of Jesus and his mother ıs source of courage and strength, grace and blessing for all mothers. We are reminded to respect our mothers and value their unconditional love and sacrifice in our lives. Jesus gives Mother Mary to us so that we might have a mother who is always there for us. In our suffering and uncertainty in life, she is always there with her motherly love to console, encourage and strengthen us. Blessed Mother will always be a blessing for whole humanity, especially those who come to her for her motherly affection, consolation and her intercession in their various needs. She understands us, stand with us when we struggle and strengthen us when life become difficult and burdensome. She is our prayerful companion and a most reliable mediator to intercede for us to her Son and Our Lord.
Lord, thank you for giving us Blessed Virgin Mary as our mother, we are never alone when we suffer; Mother Mary is always very close to us, especially when we suffer most, as she too stood at the foot of the cross during the bitter agony of Jesus, those last most painful moments. She is also with us in our suffering, consoling and encouraging us to offer ourselves into your loving and merciful hands. May like Mother Mary God’s will be done in our lives and may He consider us as his worthy instrument to bring Christ to every heart and every nation in the world. Amen.
