Can I call Mary my Mother?

Recently at Mass one Sunday morning, I came across a prayer to Our Lady which began with the following words; “Take my hand O Blessed Mother, hold it gently lest I fall. I am nervous when I’m walking, so to thee I gently call.” The words resonated with me as I had begun to realise the impact falls can have on a person at a certain age, and how lives can change very quickly as a result! When we think of the image of a Mother, we can certainly imagine a woman holding the hand of her child.

Although we celebrate the feast of the Motherhood of Mary very early in the year on January 1st, understandably since Mary has just given birth to baby Jesus, we can think of the Motherhood of Mary at any time.

Mary is the Mother of God

It was through Mary that Jesus Christ, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, became man. (Luke 1:26-38) Jesus, who was true God, took on human flesh in the womb of Mary. For this reason, sometime in the history of the early Church, Our Lady was given the title Mother of God. In a wonderful anthem composed by St. John Chrysostom around the year 400 we read:

“You Mary who without losing your virginity, gave birth to the Word of God. You are truly the mother of God.”

Is Mary our mother too?

We have just celebrated Easter and also The Passion of Jesus on Good Friday. As Mary stood locked in grief beside the cross, surrounded by insults, blasphemy, and cruel taunts, Jesus uttered some of his last words from above as he hung on the cross. 

“Woman behold your son… behold your mother.” (John 19:26-27)

The ‘son’ here is the disciple John, who is recording these words in his own Gospel. He goes on to write,

“And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (19:27)

At that moment Mary became his mother and in the Catholic faith we believe she also became a mother to all of us.

What does Mary do for us as a Mother?

When the apostles were left alone and bewildered after the death of Jesus, it was Mary who became a source of strength and support to them. The Church was born from under her mantle as she offered protection and care to the apostles following the Ascension of Jesus, as they nervously waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. All of Mary’s interventions are very human and authentic. She is right beside us with a quiet unassuming presence ready to take our hand in all troubles, great and small. She listens to us and helps us manage the difficulties along the way, knowing all the time what we need.

Mary is also the channel of God’s grace. Grace is a powerful thing; it can change us for the better and it can even work miracles at times. Mary knows us well and the graces we need. We can call her by her name and let her act as our mother, and we will be spellbound at how our lives will become transformed. I especially love the second half of the Hail Mary as I find it truly empowering when in need; Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me now. Mary never fails to answer our calls.

Mary is a strong, loyal mother who reminds us to remain close to her and her son every day, and to leave our worries with her as she will sort them out. She is keen to accompany us on all stages of our pilgrimage to heaven. She can teach us how to walk the path that leads to her son. The month of May is a particularly good opportunity to put Mary more in focus and lean on her.  

How can we become better children of Mary?

The rosary is one of Mary’s favourite prayers. It is noticeable that every time the figure of the Blessed Virgin has appeared in this world, she has asked people to pray the rosary. However repetitive and monotonous the rosary may sound, there is no doubt that this prayer pleases Mary and is a huge source of grace and strength for all those who make use of it. 

Good children want to please their parents, and we too should put ourselves under the protection of Mary and her son Jesus and ask constantly to be converted. Conversion means to move away from sin and change direction. We are in constant need of personal conversion and Mary, as mother, will certainly help us here. 

Mary offers us her protection

Like any mother, Mary has the motherly instinct to protect her children, not just against harm but also against temptation. In chapter 3 of the Book of Genesis, we read that the head of the serpent will be crushed through the woman - Mary the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. So if you ever need protection from anything, especially from the temptation of the enemy, never be afraid to ask for Mary’s divine intercession; “Guard me over every crossing, watch me while I’m on the stairs. Help me with my understanding, lessen many of my cares. Then when darkness falls around me and I fear to be alone, take my hand O Blessed Mother, once again and lead me home.’