The birth of the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God, is a testimony to the humility of God and the importance of humility in the plan of salvation. God chose a teenage girl who had no social standing to be the mother of the Son of God, who humbled himself to live on this earth as both God and man to save humanity in obedience to the Father. Mary gave birth to the Savior of the world in the humblest setting possible, in a grotto where animals were kept. The first to receive the message of this holy birth were not dignitaries, but the humble shepherds who returned glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard.
The fact that Mary is the Mother of God also defines her role in God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Her purpose was not ended with the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were the first and best examples of what faithful discipleship looks like because of their obedience and humility.
The Holy Family and the Trials of Faithful Discipleship
Even though they were chosen to be the parents of the Son of God, they were not spared the hardships of ordinary people, two of which we know about from Scripture: their flight into Egypt and the loss of the child Jesus in the Temple when he was twelve years old. After this event, little is known of the Holy Family for the next thirty years until Mary is invited to the Wedding Feast in Cana, and Jesus and his Disciples were also invited. When the wine ran out, Mary said to Jesus, “They have no wine.” Even though Jesus told Mary his hour had not yet come, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Knowing that whatever he does will be the right thing. Jesus responds to his mother’s request and performs his first miracle by changing water into wine, revealing his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.
Jesus began his public ministry with this miracle, and Mary reveals her role as intercessor, and her words to the servants continue to direct those who believe in Jesus, “Do whatever he tells you” because we trust in his word.
Mary's Role as Intercessor
Mary has proven her universal motherhood over the centuries by appearing in many countries with messages of her maternal care and often looking like the local people, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, Our Lady of Lasalette in France, Our Lady of Akita, Japan, and many others. Her appearance is most always accompanied by miracles. The most renowned are Lourdes and Fatima. At Lourdes, she appeared to Bernadette and identified herself as the Immaculate Conception. Through her intercession and the power of the Holy Spirit, a spring near the site she appeared has provided the healing waters that are experienced by millions of people each year. As of now, there have been at least 168 confirmed miracles that have been documented medically and hundreds that have not been documented. We personally know of at least two people who received physical healing when experiencing the baths in Lourdes.
The Power of Prayer and the Rosary
Her messages are always about prayer and faithfulness to her son Jesus for our happiness now and forever. She has asked the Faithful to pray the Rosary every day for the conversion of sinners. Of course, we all are sinners, and we all have benefited from the prayers of others. Some day we will be surprised to discover those who prayed for us when we finally reach heaven. That’s why we can never stop praying. We all have loved ones we are concerned about, and we can be confident that if we persevere in prayer. Our Lord will offer them mercy in their last moments on earth if they have not converted before then. There are, however, other souls who have no one on earth to pray for them; that’s why Mary has asked us to intercede on their behalf.
Without prayer, there is no true and enduring hope, and Mary has proven herself to be our best prayer partner! It is never too late to begin anew with Mary; she is our Mother of Hope.
Originally written by Pilgrim Center of Hope for Today's Catholic newspaper.
Deacon Tom Fox, K.C.H.S., and Mary Jane Fox, D.C.H.S. are the Co-Founders & Co-Directors of Pilgrim Center of Hope. The two left their careers after a profound conversion experience and began working full-time in ministry at their parish in 1986. After several years and having impacted tens of thousands of families, the Foxes founded Pilgrim Center of Hope in 1993 as a response to the Church’s call for a New Evangelization. Deacon Tom is an invested member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Commander Knight of the Holy Sepulchre.
Pilgrim Center of Hope provides events, experiences, and media; initiating a desire in people to encounter Jesus Christ in their daily journey of life. See what’s happening & let us journey with you! Visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org.
