During the Advent Season, Mary plays a prominent role in our thoughts and prayers. And with good reason. Of course, she was an essential part of the Christmas scene in Bethlehem. The depiction of Mary in art, in our churches, and more widely as she gazed upon or held the baby Jesus displays her profound love for her son. 

 

But Jesus Himself indicated to His followers that Mary’s role as a believer and as a participant in the plan of salvation was even more important than her human and maternal role. “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mt 12:50).

 

In these early days of December we have two feasts of Mary that remind us of her importance to the world and to each one of us. Entering into those celebrations help us to understand more fully the meaning of Christmas and the Incarnation.

 

On Dec. 8, the Church observes the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. That celebration is, of course, a Holy Day of obligation when we are required, as Catholics, to attend Mass. On that day the Church recalls that as a final step in God’s preparation to redeem and remake the human race from the damage of the original sin of Adam and Eve, a major element of renewal took place.

 

Because original sin damaged the world, creation and the human race, all of us who followed Adam and Eve have been born without grace within us. Even though God continues to love us, every person shared in our rupture with God’s friendship brought about by original sin. Mary, however, was given a special gift in that she was born without the stain of original sin.

 

We need to stop and think of how important this change was for the world and for all of history. God who is all good cannot be mixed with evil. It was His will then that Jesus should enter the world in a manner not infected with what Pope Benedict XVI once called “a drop of the poison” that is our share in original sin.

 

Because Mary was given this special grace she was and is the new Eve. Eve, before her sin, was also full of grace. Now in Mary, that chain of sin has been broken. Holiness, to be fulfilled in Jesus among us, has begun to reclaim the world.

 

On Dec. 12, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. That recalls the apparitions of Mary to St. Juan Diego in 1531. That feast is not only in memory but is living even today in the hearts of the faithful, especially those of Mexico.

 

At that time, Mary appeared to the poor Aztec convert to Christianity, Juan Diego, when the indigenous people of Mexico were dispirited and greatly suffering following the arrival of the Spaniards. As part of those famous apparitions the tilma worn by St. Juan, carried out-of-season roses and was left imprinted with the image of Mary.

 

In a moving moment, when St. Juan told Mary of his own trials and his unworthiness for the task she gave him to speak to the area bishop, Mary said to him, “Am I not your mother?” In so doing Mary reminded the world that years after the Christmas scene, as she stood at the foot of the cross, Jesus commended her to St. John by saying to her “Woman, behold, your son.” And to John “Behold, your mother.” (Jn 19: 26,27).

 

In God’s plan, salvation came through Jesus and His death. But Mary of Bethlehem was entrusted with the salvific role of being the Mother of Jesus and of each of us. She intercedes even now to bring us to Christ.

 

Advent is such a rich but short season. Let’s use this time well. Make a good Advent confession. And take time to pray to our common mother, Mary, who is so rightly prominent during this time before Christmas.