What does it mean being the Mother of God?

Mary, Mother Of God
01 January 2008


First reading Numbers 6:22 - 27
The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘Say this to Aaron and his sons: “This is how you are to bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.” This is how they are to call down my name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them.’

Second reading Galatians 4:4 - 7
When the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born a subject of the Law, to redeem the subjects of the Law and to enable us to be adopted as sons. The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.

Gospel Luke 2:16 - 21
The shepherds hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.

When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.

Reflection
By Anabelle Payod - Balla

The first word that came into my mind was "Wow!" when I was writing down the title of this reflection. What an honor and humbling responsibilty!

I remember when I gave birth to my three daughters, I was always overwhelmed by the mystery behind their being, behind the birth of a new life. It is so profound! I always wonder how a new life is formed inside my womb. How the tiny parts are developed and tied together to form a new masterpiece of God. It's like magic, such tiny fingers, such vulnerable being and yet so complete, breathing and moving, so alive! It felt so good to play an important part of this miracle, to be an instrument of God. I was elated and grateful because I have been entrusted to nurture God's three wonderful creation. I am sure every mother feels they are very special when they were given this crucial role to play and has spent quiet moments wondering about the mysteries of bearing a child and being a mother. What more if you are entrusted to bear God's child, far more precious than any king who lived on earth?

Mary was chosen to be the mother of God! The birth of Jesus is Mother Mary's first. She was so young and far from comfort when she gave birth and yet nothing in the Bible that says she was troubled or has complained and panicked. She was quiet and pondering most of the time. She may not have fully understood God's plan and yet she is so at peace, treasuring every moment. I believe her faith in God made her feel so secure, allowing God to take control. She knew she is giving birth to someone very special, the Son of God. She was already filled with joy when the angel came to tell her that she will bear a child, what more when she was already looking at His beautiful being, holding her precious King of kings close to her heart! I am sure the happiness she felt can't be measured. She is so blessed, chosen from among the many women in the world to nuture God's beloved son. She was created for this purpose and what a wonderful purpose it is! She remained humble and a silent mother and servant of Jesus until she was taken up into heaven.

This New Year, may we set aside time to reflect on our relationship and knowledge of God. And as we talk to Him, may we all be enlighted with our purpose in life and be comforted that God will always be there to guide us every step of the way. Like Mary, may we completely trust God as we humbly ponder and fulfill His will. Let us not forget to count our blessings as well, let us thank and sing praises to our ever loving Father in heaven.

May all of us enjoy a New Year filled with awareness of God's will and generous love for us! Happy New Year!