Faith and tradition contribute images of Mary that are held in honored memory. Is it possible for women of the present to find common identity with this perfect woman? Can the surrogate mother who has been the object of art, processions and coronations, also be a realistic model for the challenging life of the present? We believe that she can. Shakespeare has penned the phrase: "All life's a stage....". In like manner, history has fault in sometimes presenting itself as acts of a play. Is it God's folly or wisdom that participants on this stage are not handed scripts? Like us, Mary was blind to her destiny.

Mary had no knowledge of the outcome of her role at the time of the Incarnation. She was asked to allow her cells to explode in mystery - security uncertain - reputation challenged. Hesitation preceded acceptance. Options surround our days. Paths are open in ways closed to Galilee's woman. As we hesitate, cautious of the future, can we not imitate Mary's courage as she listened to the whisperings of the Spirit? Perhaps Mary's "intuition" and today's "discernment" can be paralleled with "trust in God".

The journey to visit Elizabeth gave Mary the opportunity to share the news of her blessing. The realization of God interacting in her humble life was a joy that could not be contained. The need to search out someone who can identify with our experience transcends the years. Telephones ring, coffee is shared. Comfort follows the human heart's desire for communication.

 

The creative fulfillment of birth overpowered nature's pain. Mary knew the privilege of motherhood - the privilege that invites love that is unselfish, unlimited and unquestioning to become life's dominant emotion. Creation does not isolate itself to the womb. It is the instinct of woman to respect and renew life and its quality. New horizons are not formed by war; they are denied by abortion and endangered by apathy. The future is given hope by educational programs, adoptive care, artistic vision, religious service, prospering business, patient medical attention, ethical scientific research, responsible political action, protected environment and supportive family life. Women contribute and motivate in all these areas. The pain in Mary's stable gave the world hope. Today's woman can choose various labors that will nurture that hope.

 

Reprimand was clear in Mary's voice. Aware of dangers, she was fearful for the wandering boy and reluctant to release the child to the unknown. How often must we remind ourselves that children, friends and relatives are not possessions. They come to us and abide for awhile, but do not belong to us. Each has a mission unique to his person. Release allows growth; it does not diminish love.

 

Mary saw a friend's need and prompted her son to respond of his ability. Intimacy grants mothers insight to the potential of their offspring. To urge that treasure into the world's vision is a most important function. Nagging can stifle. Encouragement affirms the talents. We do not have sons to compare with Mary's. We do have children, husbands, friends, relatives and co-workers with gifts waiting to be discovered. Our Cana opportunities surround us.

Mary watched as her child died. Language cannot give description to such sorrow. It stands respectfully silent. As he died, amid scorn and ridicule, she was given new purpose - "John, there is your mother.". Death stalks the 21st century with undiminished force. It is known to all. Scorn and ridicule speak in both subtle and loud voices. They destroy with power comparable to death. Injustice creeps into everyday life despite society's best efforts to eliminate it. It lurks in our classroom, hospitals, courtrooms, churches -- in our very homes. Calvary enters the present as injustice leaves its sorrow. Calvary heals the present as we comfort the victims and welcome new life and new purpose. We travel as Mary did without compass, chart or script, but ever in the warmth of God's embrace. The Spirit guides us as we learn to be one with all that grows and to find our own melody. We will create legacies that sometimes the world will little know or seldom appreciate. Women - unafraid to share their gentleness, strength and love, can renew the face of the earth.

 

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St Mary's Parish Community
840 Page Blvd. Springfield, MA 01104  413-739-0456
E-Mail: stmary@the-spa.com