|
A Word From Our Associate . . .
Theotokos
Last month I was listening to a woman, Marge, from the United Church of Christ share about her trip to Greece. She said that the most striking experience of all, was visiting all these Orthodox Churches, and standing mesmerized before their beautiful icons. The most important spiritual experience she received was in the presence of an icon entitled, "Theotokos," which means, "Mother of God." Mary was clothed in aqua blue garments, with shining stars, and white lace. She held the baby Jesus with tender affection, and possessed a holy glow, known to saints in glory. Marge said that her heart was moved, and felt in that moment, Mary had spoken to her. This was entirely new to her, as her tradition does not foster such devotion. And she wondered if she wasn't initially more open to the encounter, because Mary was portrayed as "Theotokos," and not "Ever-Virgin," which her tradition would have more problems with. It seemed to me that Marge was going to continue meditating on the mystery of Mary, the Mother of God, and try to discover what that means for her life.
January 1 is the Solemnity of the Mother of God (or Theotokos). We celebrate the Holy Spirit's espousal of Mary, by which she conceived Jesus: both a man, and the Son of God. Her "fiat" or "yes" to God's invitation through an angel, rings throughout all of history, as a witness of obediential servant-hearted love. Yet she is much more than a witness.
As a descendant of Adam (that is, as a member of the human race), she is a sister to every human being. Secondly, and more importantly, she is a sister to every Christian, because she is one "redeemed" by Christ, just like us. She knows our human plight, and travails for us in our condition, which is why, after Christ and the Holy Spirit, she is the greatest intercessor of all time. But she is more that a sister. She is the Mother of God, and our Mother. She is the Mother of Jesus, providing the vehicle, her womb, for the entrance of God's Son into the world as man. In so doing, she became the mediatrix of all graces: this means that as every grace for salvation comes only through Christ, so she became the vehicle for all graces to enter the world, as she birthed Him into the world. God chose her before the beginning of time, to be the Immaculate Virgin and Mother of God. God chose her to be our spiritual Mother, in this life and for all eternity. She is the most beautiful, radiant, Queen of Heaven. I think it is so wonderful that every new year begins with a meditation and celebration of Mary. Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with love and devotion for our Blessed Mother. May she find a special place in our lives this year of two thousand, since the birth of your Son, as she enjoys in your divine plan for the whole human family.
School News&
Catholic Schools Week is coming soon -- January 30 through February 4, 2000. Catholic Schools -- "Lighting the Way to a New Century"
Registration for St. John's School: Registration of new and transfer students, including kindergarten for the 2000-2001 school year is part of CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK, coming soon. If you are considering enrolling your child in St. John's
|
|
