January 1


Mary the Mother of Jesus 

Faith teaches me that our Lord Jesus Christ is my first-born brother, and since the most Blessed Mary is the real mother of Jesus Christ, she is also my mother. Oh, how blessed I am. (OOCC, XIII, PP. 152 - 153; GIL, XXV, p. 95)

For St. Vincent Pallotti, the annunciation scene brings the motherhood of Mary to light. Mary, in accepting the words of the angel Gabriel, gives herself to the task of being the mother of Jesus. Being the mother of Jesus, who is divine, confirms the fact of her special position above all creatures. Though it is a privilege specially given to Mary, it also implies many responsibilities. Mary has to accept a way of life which involves great sacrifices. She helps Jesus grow up into a mature man, giving him all the care and love a mother needs to give. She is at his side all the years of his private life at home. When it is time for him to accomplish God’s plan through his public ministry, she has to let her son go and watch from the background all that is happening to him, giving him a helping hand whenever it is needed. At the end of his public ministry, she accepts God’s plan for her son to die on the cross, and witnesses the event of his crucifixion at Mount Calvary. She generously offers to suffer with her son. Simeon’s prophecy, at the presentation of Jesus in the temple, that a sword will pierce her soul, does come true. Thus, Mary, in accepting the position of the mother of Jesus, not only accepts the privileges associated with it, but also its hardships and difficulties.

Do I acknowledge Mary as the mother of Jesus? Do I have the readiness of Mary to accept God’s will in my life? Do I accept the responsibilities of my vocation? Am I, like Mary, ready to accept the privileges as well as the hardships of my vocation in life?

The angel said to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” (Lk. 1: 30 – 31)