I wasn’t raised with Mary. As a Protestant, I was taught that excessive devotion to Mary distorts the Gospel. It implies that Mary is as important as Jesus, which is blasphemy.
Moving toward Catholicism, I came to certain convictions. The human Jesus was one man in one place and time. He taught us basic Christian principles. After he ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit became our guide in applying these principles in different ages and circumstances. The primary means the Spirit uses is the teachings of God’s church.
If the church says devotion to Mary has great value, I need to understand why. How do displaying her image, contemplating her life and asking for her prayers bring me closer to God? I’ve worked on these questions for 30 years. Today, the answer that most satisfies me is that Mary was a woman.
In so many ways, Jesus’ words are the exact opposite of worldly wisdom. He says being hungry, poor or grieving can be a blessing. He says we must give freely and forgive repeatedly. I believe Mary’s womanhood helps us hold onto that upside down vision once we leave church. Women are biologically different from men. We are, in general, smaller and weaker. We’re more vulnerable, especially when we’re pregnant. Until quite recently, for example, we routinely died in childbirth.
Women are also more socially vulnerable. Most cultures have considered women second-class beings. We belonged to our father and then our husband the way livestock belongs to its owner. We had no education and no voice in how our children were raised. We were the spoils of war. Rape was a common part of victory. Once violated, we became outcasts, fit only for the brothel. Am I exaggerating? Consider current events in Somalia, Syria or India.
A woman, then, is a good representative of all vulnerable members of society. In the Bible, “widows and orphans” is shorthand for everyone who suffers. We’ve all been sick, hurt, lost or mistreated. We’ve all felt like a lonely widow or impoverished orphan. In relationship to God, we are all female. We need God’s protection the way a woman in Afghanistan needs a male protector. Contemplating Mary helps us remember that.
Mary united herself with the needy. She became an unwed mother for our sake. When her older cousin was pregnant, Mary rushed to help. She spoke prophetically of how God would feed the hungry and raise up the lowly. She stood by Christ as he was dying. She prayed with the disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We honor Mary when we also unite ourselves with the suffering. Mary, as the first believer, is the model for all future believers.
Thinking of Mary this way has affected how I pray the rosary. I name the mystery. I reflect on how Christ’s birth, death, resurrection, etc. enable me to call God “Father” and to ask him to meet my deepest and most immediate needs. Then, 50 times, I ask Mary to show me how to pass God’s love on to others.
For example, when I pray the Joyful Mysteries, I ask myself, “Who needs my prayers? Who needs a visit? Who has lost a child through addiction, imprisonment, abuse or indifference? Who can I help bring to the Temple? Who is far from home and in need of shelter? How can I help?”
It’s easy to remember the poor in church. It’s harder to remember them back home or in traffic. I display Mary’s image just as I do images of her Son. So I’ll remember and, with God’s grace, act.
Kathleen welcomes comments. Send them to Kathleen Choi, 1706 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo 96720, or email: kathchoi@hawaii.rr.com.
