Father Horacio Camarena was one of my favorite teachers. His philosophy classes were always very interesting, and he was quite talented at writing poetry. Referring to Mary in the book of Revelation, he used to say, “God has already arisen inside you.”
Anytime new life is created, God is there—whether it be in Mary’s womb, with the life of the Savior, or in the womb of any other mother. Where God is concerned, all life is blessed regardless of whether the baby is healthy or sick, legitimate or illegitimate. In God’s eyes, all are his children.
Mary and Elizabeth are two very strong, determined women of faith. They are true examples of just how much a mother loves her child. In her old age, Elizabeth conceives John the Baptist. Despite the risks of such a pregnancy, she trusts in God. Mary, who is also with child, knows who to turn to in order to avoid the shame and ridicule of a chauvinistic society that is blind to the marvels of motherhood. Sadly, all they see is someone who got pregnant before she was married to Joseph. What an amazing encounter between two great mothers that must have been!
Mary, the mother of Jesus and our Mother, was taken up to heaven. Eastern tradition believes that she didn’t die but that she simply “fell asleep.” The Catholic Church declared that Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heavenly glory. As the first disciple that embodied God, in her life and her womb, she is the first to enter into the fullness of the kingdom and to be crowned with the stars. God arose in her life and all the peoples of the earth have been reborn in her glory.
Questions for reflection
How is it significant for you that Mary is in heaven?
How can you show more appreciation for the gift of motherhood?
When was the last time you prayed for your mother?
Prayer
Lord, we ask that, just as you took Mary, your mother, up to heaven, so you would also take us with you, to rejoice fully in you, who reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Translated by Katy Devine
Article originally published in Liturgia y Canción. © 2013 OCP. All rights reserved.
Miguel Arias (1971–2012) was editorial director at Liturgy Training Publications (LTP) and product development specialist at Loyola Press. He was the author of the reflections in Palabra, Vida y Fe, published by OCP (2007–2010). He earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Catholic Theological Union and was a faculty member at Tepeyac Institute, the Cultural Institute of Leadership, and the Hispanic Institute of Liturgy. He lived in Chicago, where he served as a catechist with adults at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The Lord called him home in April 2012.