A Call to Renewed Faith and Community
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather today to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let’s start by asking ourselves a question: What is your impression of the Catholic Church today? Are we, as the people of God, happy with the state of affairs in the Church? Do we feel that the Church is fulfilling its mission in the world, or do we sense that there is room for renewal and change?
As we approach the Jubilee 2025, the Holy Father has invited us all to reflect deeply on the four dogmatic constitutions of the Second Vatican Council. He sees this as an opportunity for us to renew our understanding of what it means to be the Church, to be the People of God, united in faith and mission. But why is this reflection important now, and how can it help us in our journey as a community of believers?
Today, I want to focus on one of these constitutions: Lumen Gentium, which means “Light of the Nations.” This document teaches us who we are as the Church and emphasizes our role in the world. It also dedicates a significant chapter to Mary, highlighting her unique role in the mystery of the Church. This chapter, titled “The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the Mystery of Christ and the Church,” provides a profound theological reflection on Mary’s role and the response expected of the faithful.
So, let’s begin by looking at the importance of Mother Mary in the formation of the Church, her presence among the Apostles in the Upper Room, and how her example can guide us today.
Mary’s Role in the Formation of the Church
Mary’s journey with Jesus didn’t end at the foot of the Cross. After Jesus ascended to Heaven, we find Mary with the Apostles in the Upper Room, praying and waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. This moment is crucial because it’s here that the Church is born. Mary’s presence was not just incidental; it was deeply significant. She was a source of comfort, strength, and spiritual leadership for the Apostles, who were grappling with the immense task of continuing Jesus’ mission without His physical presence.
Imagine the scene in the Upper Room. The Apostles, uncertain and perhaps fearful of what lay ahead, were united in prayer. And there was Mary, the mother of Jesus, who had experienced the fullness of God’s plan from the Annunciation to the Resurrection. She knew what it meant to say “yes” to God, to trust in His promises even when the path was unclear. Her faith and perseverance would have been a powerful example to the Apostles. As Pope Benedict XVI once noted, Mary’s presence in the Upper Room was a “guiding presence.” She wasn’t leading the Apostles in a formal sense, but her faith, her prayer, and her unwavering trust in God would have been a profound source of inspiration.
St. John Paul II, in his encyclical “Redemptoris Mater,” also reflected on Mary’s role at Pentecost. He described her as a mother to the community of believers, nurturing the Church in its earliest moments. This maternal influence continued beyond Pentecost as Mary interceded for the Apostles and the growing Christian community. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, a renowned spiritual writer and the preacher to the Papal household, described Mary as the “silent leader” among the Apostles, showing them how to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit.
The Jubilee 2025: A Call to Renewal
As we look forward to Jubilee 2025, the Holy Father’s invitation to reflect on the teachings of Vatican II, is a call to rediscover our identity as the Church. It’s a call to see ourselves not just as individuals but as part of a communion of the faithful—a living, breathing Body of Christ in the world.
Lumen Gentium teaches us that the Church is a community of believers, united in faith and mission. It reminds us that we are called to be a light to the nations, to bring Christ’s love and truth to the world. But to do this effectively, we need to be rooted in a deep understanding of who we are as the People of God. And this is where Mary’s example becomes so important. She is not just a figure from the past; she is our mother, our guide, and our model of faith.
Lumen Gentium dedicates a chapter to Mary, highlighting her role as the Mother of the Church. It tells us that Mary is our mother in the order of grace. Her “yes” to God was not just a one-time act; it was a continuous surrender to God’s will. From the Annunciation, when she accepted her role as the mother of the Messiah, to her presence at the Cross and in the Upper Room, Mary’s life was a model of faith, humility, and service.
Responding to God’s Call: The Example of Mary
Let’s reflect on how Mary’s example can inspire us today. First, Mary teaches us the importance of responding to God’s call. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she didn’t hesitate. She said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). This simple yet profound response changed the course of history. Mary didn’t have all the answers; she didn’t know how everything would unfold. But she trusted God completely and was willing to play her part in His plan.
This brings to mind the story of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who felt God’s call to leave her convent and serve the poorest of the poor. Like Mary, she said “yes” to God’s call, even when it meant stepping into the unknown. Her response wasn’t just a single act but a continuous commitment to God’s will, often in the most challenging circumstances. For us, responding to God’s call might not involve dramatic changes, but it does mean being open to His will in our daily lives. It means saying “yes” to God in the small, everyday choices we make—whether it’s reaching out to someone in need, forgiving someone who has hurt us, or simply being faithful in our prayer and worship.
Being Open to the Spirit: Mary’s Example at Pentecost
Mary’s presence in the Upper Room also teaches us about being open to the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:14, we read that Mary and the Apostles were devoting themselves to prayer, waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. Mary, who had already experienced the Holy Spirit at the Annunciation, was now waiting with the Apostles for a new outpouring of the Spirit that would empower them to carry out their mission.
The story of the Charismatic Renewal movement reminds us of the power of openness to the Holy Spirit. In the 1960s, a group of Catholic students gathered for a retreat, praying for a renewed experience of the Holy Spirit. Much like the disciples in the Upper Room, they were filled with the Spirit in a profound way, sparking a movement that has touched millions of lives. This openness to the Spirit is something we are all called to cultivate in our own lives. It means being attentive to the Spirit’s guidance, seeking God’s presence in our decisions, and being willing to embrace new opportunities for growth and service.
Supporting One Another as a Community: The Church as a Family
Finally, Mary’s role at the foot of the Cross reminds us of the importance of supporting one another as a community. In John 19:26-27, we hear Jesus’ words to Mary and the beloved disciple: “Woman, behold, your son!… Behold, your mother!” In this moment, Jesus was not only caring for His mother; He was forming a new family—a community of believers united by love and mutual support.
In our own parishes, we see this call to community lived out in many ways. Think of the parish support groups that visit the homebound, bring Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend Mass, or provide companionship to those who are lonely. Just as Mary supported the early Church, we are called to support one another in our journey of faith. This might mean volunteering our time, being present for someone in need, or simply offering a listening ear to someone who is struggling.
The Leadership of Mary in the Upper Room
Returning to Mary’s role in the Upper Room, spiritual writers have often reflected on her as a leader, not in a formal sense but as a spiritual mother guiding the Apostles in their prayer and anticipation of the Spirit. Pope Benedict XVI described Mary’s role as a “guiding presence” among the Apostles, helping to shape the community’s prayerful anticipation of the Spirit. St. John Paul II also emphasized Mary’s maternal influence in the early Church, showing the disciples how to remain open to God’s work in their lives.
Fr. Edward Sri, in his reflections on Mary, notes that her presence at Pentecost was not just as a member of the community but as one who knew how to welcome the Holy Spirit fully. Her openness and her faith set the tone for the entire community, making her a natural leader in their midst.
Our Response as the Faithful: A Call to Action
So, what is the response expected of us as the faithful? Lumen Gentium invites us to look to Mary as our model and guide. We are called to imitate her virtues of faith, humility, and service. Mary’s role as Mother of the Church is not just a title; it’s a call for each of us to engage more deeply in the life of the Church, to trust in her intercession, and to follow her example of faithful discipleship.
As we prepare for the Jubilee 2025, let us take this opportunity to renew our commitment to being a true communion of the faithful. Let us be inspired by Mary to:
- Respond to God’s Call: Like Mary and the saints, let us be courageous in saying “yes” to God in our daily lives, trusting in His plans and being willing to step out in faith.
- Be Open to the Spirit: Let us cultivate a prayerful heart, be attentive to the Spirit’s guidance, and be open to the ways God might be calling us to grow and serve.
- Support One Another: Just as Mary was a source of strength and support for the early Church, let us be present for each other, offering support, encouragement, and love as we journey together in faith.
Renewing Our Commitment to Mary and the Church
In conclusion, as we reflect on Mary’s role in the formation of the Church, her example of faith, and her ongoing presence as our Mother and guide, let us renew our commitment to living as the People of God. Let us be inspired by her example to deepen our faith, to be open to the Spirit, and to build a community that truly reflects the love and unity of Christ.
As we journey towards Jubilee 2025, let us do so with a renewed sense of purpose, guided by Mary, the Mother of the Church. May her example of faith, openness, and maternal care inspire us to be a light to the world, a true reflection of Christ’s love, and a community that is alive in the Spirit. Amen.