Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
Lk 2:16-21
January 1, 2023

Most people know that the first book of the Old Testament is called “Genesis “or “The Beginning.” And most people also know that the first chapter of the first book of the Bible is the first “Creation Story.” And most people, whether or not they accept the story of our origins, know that the sacred text describes how God accomplished Creation in six stages and then rested. But many people might not have noticed a very significant detail in the “Creation Story.”

After five of the stages (days), the Creator pondered what had been accomplished and observed: It is good! A significant detail for us to remember during this era of salvation history when so much around us seems to be “bad” is that our Creator thinks that the work of Creation is “good.”

But another significant detail that many overlook is that the Creator made no such observation at the conclusion of “Day 2.”

The second stage of our origin speaks to “separation.” Reflecting on what transpired during “Day 2,” we see a distancing between Heaven and the created world…with a dome placed between them. Is it possible that God did not find “goodness” in this work of his hands because there was more work to be done? Was the “separation” intended to be a temporary condition, while other things unfolded…or evolved, so to speak?

Which brings us to today’s celebration: The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.

When I was growing up, Marian devotion was very prominent in the spiritual life of Roman Catholics. Parochial school children, for example, prayed “The Litany to The Blessed Mother” so frequently that the long list of titles and honors and functions of Mary were committed to memory. Some were vivid and meaningful insights into her unique role in salvation history. Others required mature reflection in order to understand and appreciate the Blessed Mother’s remarkable contribution to God’s eternal plan for salvation.

Sadly, and inexplicably, towards the end of the 20th century, devotion to the Blessed Mother seems to have waned. Maybe it would be helpful to consider new images of the Blessed Mother in order to revive the reverence she so richly deserves.

Thinking back to “Day 2” of the Creation Story, at the conclusion of which God made no observations, I wonder if it would be appropriate to image Mary as “the bridge” which reconnected what was separated as our world came into being.

Is it possible that in the beginning…the Creator saw fit to cause this separation, envisioning that day when the two realities would be rejoined through the flesh and blood of a young woman who had been specially prepared for that purpose?

Through her willing and unconditional service…the Divine Word passed over the space distancing heaven and earth…becoming flesh to dwell among us. Mary’s earthly body was God’s passageway from eternity into time.

Moreover, like all biological mothers connect their children to their ancestors, Mary connects us or links us to the source of all Creation…God! In that way, doesn’t she bridge what separates “the here and now” from our origin…the Eternal Kingdom?

Many people have forgotten, or fail to take notice of, a very significant detail in the story of redemption, grace, and salvation…the role of a young woman who committed her life to reconnecting heaven with earth. However, we might perceive the image of the Blessed Mother, we must never lose sight of the truth that she is our direct link to the Divine.

Pope Francis has recently encouraged the faithful to: “Turn to Mary often…for she is a mighty intercessor and a faithful companion on our spiritual journey.”

During his Angelus Address on the Feast of the Assumption this year, Francis reminded us that: “Mary, our Mother, takes us by the hand, accompanies us, and invites us to rejoice.”

It seems that what he is telling us is that Mary is not only the bridge, but our guide and our companion as we travel through this created world to the place that always was.

A fitting resolution as we begin the new year is to rekindle our relationship with Mary, the Mother of God, the Mother of our Church…and our spiritual Mother who links us to our origin. Mary is most definitely a way to bridge the gap between our life here and eternal life.

Happy and Blessed New Year!