Mama Mia!

       In case you didn't know, today was the feast of the Assumption.  This is one of those days that Catholics have set aside to honor and celebrate the Blessed Virgin.  This is one of those days that I always thought was bogus.

picture via CANYOUHELPME

       Throughout my life I have fought with the Church’s teachings about Mary.  I saw her as merely a woman that gave birth to a child who happened to be God.  I figured, this was God’s plan so she didn't really have a choice.  She just happened to be the one through which the Word would become Flesh.

       In these past few years, as I have rediscovered my faith, I have challenged myself to work on my relationship with Mary.  As I was leaving the vigil mass last night I thought to myself, I have failed.  I still don’t fully grasp the Immaculate Conception or Mary’s perpetual virginity.  I struggle with believing those things; I don’t think they make any sense. 

       However, as I thought it over I realized that I have in fact moved forward leaps and bounds.  I have discovered a true appreciation, respect, and admiration for Mary and her role in salvation history.  I appreciate that she had as much free will as any of us and still chose to say yes to God’s monumental request when I struggle to say yes to his simple everyday expectations.  I realize how scandalous it was for a girl in her time to pregnant out of wedlock and admire her bravery in facing the world with her head held high in the light of truth.  I ask for her intercession and respect the special relationship she has with Christ as his mother. I see the beauty of her selfless love for God.  Honestly, the fact that I acknowledge that there is an importance in growing my relationship with her is proof that I have in fact grown in my understanding of the faith. 

       God doesn't work randomly and his choice of Mary as mother of Christ was no accident or coincidence.  If God felt Mary was good enough to carry, deliver, and raise his only begotten Son, she is worth taking a second look at.  I struggle to find answers and form bonds with Mary but I realize that she is just like any other part of my faith; she will never fully make sense to me.  The beauty is in the struggle and the mystery.