Modeling Mary: Our Pilgrimage of Faith
Learning the WAY
Jesus’ central teaching was that the kingdom of God had arrived and that a new community of people was being created. This new community of Jesus was not based on the natural bonds of family; rather, it was a family of disciples united in faith. In this new family, Mary’s relation to Jesus would take on a much larger dimension, one suggested at the marriage feast of Cana when Jesus addressed his mother as “Woman” (Jn 2:4). In Genesis, this title referred to Eve, the associate of Adam (2:23) and the “mother of all the living” (3:20).
Mary stood at the foot of the cross with John, the beloved disciple, sharing in the suffering of her son and experiencing a dark night of faith while she tried to fathom how this moment was related to God’s plan. In his last moments before handing over the spirit, Jesus addressed his mother, saying, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to John, “Behold, your mother” (Jn 19:26–27).
Mary, Our Mother
By this act, Jesus confirmed a new larger sense of Mary’s motherhood. She became the spiritual mother of John, representing in this instance the new community of believers in Christ; John then took her into his own home. Rooted in the promises made to Israel, Mary represents Mother Zion, in whom all find a home. (See Ps 87.) She welcomes with a mother’s love all who have been scattered but are now gathered together in Christ. (See Jn 11:52.)
Mary was a part of the community of prayer with the apostles awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit. “All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:14). Her faith in the living word allowed her to continue to embrace her role as our mother, which came sharply into focus as she stood at the foot of the cross. She was to be associated with Jesus in bringing new life to the members of Christ’s Church, and to accompany and intercede for these members. Mary’s faith and maternal love continue in the Church today.