Back to Bethany: My Reflection on Mary

Spring has made its way to Colorado, and I know Texas is getting some springtime too—short as it may be. What a beautiful season. The days are longer, the flowers are blooming, and we get to spend more time outside. But spring can also be a busy season. For some, school is coming to an end, and summer plans need to be made. Maybe new sports are beginning, or some work projects are wrapping up.

In the midst of all the busyness, we have a special woman walking beside us—giving us grace to be strong and courageous in the chaos: our Mama, Mary.

What a gift God gave us. He chose Mary to be the mother of His Son, but in doing so, He also made her a mother to us all. Before Jesus died on the cross, He looked at the disciple John and said, “Behold your mother.” This was Jesus sharing His beautiful mother with the whole world.

I often reflect on how blessed I am to have been raised by a strong and beautiful woman, but I know not everyone has an earthly mother they can look up to. How wonderful it is that we have a spiritual mother in Mary. Even in our darkest moments, she is there—embracing us, covering us with her love. She walks with us when we are afraid and uncertain. She is the ultimate comforter.

Pope Francis said it best: “We are not orphans…we have a mama…we have a mother…this is great!”

Our Church fathers have long recognized Mary’s role in the Church. Pope Francis also said, “By looking at Mary, we discover the most beautiful and most tender face of the Church; and by looking at the Church, we recognize the sublime features of Mary.” Pope John Paul II said, “From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s will in things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ, her Son and the Son of God.” And Pope Leo reminded us, “Our Mother Mary always wants to walk at our side, to remain close to us, to help us with her intercession and her love.”

I always knew Mary had a special role in the Church—she was the mother of Jesus! But as I’ve gotten older and spent more time in prayer, study, and reflection, I’ve seen how Mary has worked in my life.

The first time I did a consecration to Mary was after my first miscarriage. I did another after my second. I dedicated myself to the woman whom God chose to be with us in our deepest sorrow. Of course, I turned to my earthly mom—and she was there, supportive and loving. But my Mother Mary gave me a peace that no one else on earth could give.

I remember praying, “God, I don’t want to be mad at you that this happened again. Instead, I will turn to prayer and offer you my sadness and suffering.” And that’s what I did. I turned to Mary, and in my heart, I know she brought my prayers to the Lord.

The Rosary has become my constant companion. It’s my go-to prayer when I’m anxious, scared, worried, or stressed. When I’m running and need to calm my mind, or when I’m just tired of music, my thoughts drift to Mary.

There’s so much noise in our culture about how women should act—how they should show up in society and in family roles. But I encourage all of us to look to our true role model: Mary. She should be our standard for how to love our families and neighbors. Her beautiful obedience to the Lord is something we should all strive for.

Let us keep close in our minds and hearts the beginning of the Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,that never was it knownthat anyone who fled to thy protection,implored thy help,or sought thy intercession,was left unaided.

Our Mother Mary will never leave us unaided. She will lift up our prayers to her Son. And because Jesus loves His mother—and loves each and every one of us—He will never turn her intercession away. Through Mary, we have a direct line to Jesus.

I pray that each of you tonight knows how deeply you are loved by Mama Mary. She was—and always is—with you.