There is an old story about a workman on a scaffolding high above the nave of a cathedral who looked down and saw a woman praying before a statue of Mary. As a joke, the workman whispered, “Woman, this is Jesus.” The woman ignored him. The workman whispered again, more loudly: “Woman, this is Jesus.” Again, the woman ignored him. Finally, he said aloud, “Woman, don’t you hear me? This is Jesus.” At this point the woman looked up at the crucifix and said, “Be still now, Jesus, I’m talking to your mother.”

Christmas is about motherhood. It is about Mary and Joseph and Jesus. It is about your mother and father, and about love. What would Christmas be without Mother?

Catholics treasure Mary perhaps more than some of their Non-Catholic cousins. In “Homily for the Assumption of Mary” Fr. Munachi E. Ezeogu says in the old order Eve came from the body of man – Adam, while in the new order Jesus came from the body of woman – Mary. Eve’s “no” in disobedience to God is countered by Mary’s “yes”.

And just as suffering and death resulted immediately from Eve’s “no”, blessings and redemption resulted from Mary’s “yes”. The consequence of Mary’s act resulted immediately in the fullness of life with God: Jesus through the Ascension, and Mary through the Assumption.

This was not just a pius and convenient sentiment. Mary was well aware of the prophecy of Simeon that a sword would pierce her heart and that Jesus was destined for the fall and rise of many. (Luke 2:35). Consider the pain and agony of Jesus on the cross and Mary under the cross. The price of our salvation was not cheap for Mother and Child, upon whom the light shone on that Silent Night in Bethlehem.

I recently read a reflection that described Mary as wed to the Holy Spirit. What an apt way to describe the origin of our Saviour at Christmas. The Holy Spirit is Love, the love of the Father that keeps coming to us even after Christ ascends to the Father.

Just as Mary said “yes”, we must ask the Holy Spirit to change us into a vessel where love can dwell. Kneeling at the manger on Christmas Eve is a place to start. Carrying the message in our hearts will lighten our way:

Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day
And man will live forever more because of Christmas day.

KEN ROLHEISER
Guest Columnist