The Blessed Virgin Mary may not seem like a relevant role model to today’s young people, particularly in Western cultures that value “thinking for yourself” and “liberation,” especially of the sexual variety.
In addition, Mary’s witness may seem out of reach to many, particularly young women.
A Virgin? Who never, ever sinned?
For many young women who’ve been sexually active before marriage, Mary’s standard appears too lofty, and unattainable if pursued. I emphasize young women, because our secular culture still tends to portray sexually active ladies as loose and even tramps, whereas young men are more likely to be excused or lauded for their exploits.
Virgin
But does being a virgin even matter in following God? Some exegetes will argue that ‘alma, the Hebrew word rendered as “virgin” in today’s First Reading from Isaiah 7, literally means a “young girl” or “maiden,” not necessarily a “virgin.” Given the ancient-Israelite cultural context, though, virginity was not simply encouraged but expected of a young lady. (A young man too, for that matter.)
St. Matthew removes any ambiguity in applying the passage to Mary, using the Greek word parthenos, which literally means “virgin” (Matt. 1:23).
Also, in today’s Gospel Reading, the Blessed Mother reveals the secret to true Christian discipleship. Her greatness is ultimately rooted in her Savior, not herself. The same God who preserved Mary from original sin and actual sin, the same God who enabled her to conceive our Savior by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:31, 34–35), is the same God who can lift you and me to the joyful heights of holiness as well. As the angel Gabriel tells Mary in today’s Gospel, “for nothing will be impossible for God” (Luke 1:37; see Matt. 19:26).
Healing
In this light, young people, both men and women—and indeed people of all ages—need to hear that what matters most in following Jesus is not where you’ve been, but where you want to go, and that Christ, through his Catholic Church, provides us the healing balm of the Sacrament of Reconciliation when we falter, and the strength of the Eucharist too (see 2 Cor. 10:3–4).
In other words, Jesus provides the absolute best—Himself—and he will never abandon us on the journey (Luke 15:3–7); we need only respond to his grace with a “yes.”
In today’s Gospel, the Blessed Mother, Our Lord’s disciple par excellence, testifies that spiritual docility, and childlike trust, is fundamental to following her Son fruitfully: “May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). And, as she says elsewhere, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).
Further, as our spiritual Mother (Rev. 12:17) and the Queen of Heaven and Earth (Rev. 12:1), the Blessed Virgin Mary will always support us in walking with Jesus. Scripture also reminds us that we should always seek the Lord anew, no matter what we’ve done, no matter where we’re at (Luke 15:11–32; see Matt. 6:33). As we prepare and then celebrate Christmas, more than ever—and always—come let us adore Him (Ps. 95:1-2, 6; Rev. 15:4).
Thank you, Tom, for reminding us of these timeless truths, especially that Jesus always gives the best – His own self – in our journey through life.
Thanks for all you do. You are a blessing to all of us.