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“Woman, behold, your son.” This was one of the final words uttered by our Lord to our Mother of Sorrows. Disciple John took her into his home later. We Catholics believe Mary spent her remaining years in hidden ministry.  Was that the role she envisioned when she said yes to Angel Gabriel at the scene of Annunciation as part of being Mother of God?

As St Edith Stein describes, women are endowed with the gift to “embrace” and receive others as they are. Our actions as a wife or a mother often go unnoticed. Given our caring nature, we women often diligently plan a special occasion for family members, clean up after a gathering as a matter of course, and care for an aging parent or in-law. We may take the dog out for walks day in and day regardless of weather, keep  the house in order while we feed our family and work from home part time.

Isn’t it comforting to know that our God who designed us also watches over us? He is our Creator who fashioned our sensitive and compassionate nature. He must smile each time we use our gifts to serve others and the world around us even for a simple act of cleaning the bathroom or praying for our child faithfully.

Our receptivity makes it easier to accept the supernatural, the unseen God, the Savior who came such long time ago to frees us from our sin and give us new life. Many of us find ourselves with the strongest drive for faith matters within our family. I used to wonder “aren’t fathers supposed to be the priest of the household?” Yet Mary was left alone without a husband and her beloved Son. I can imagine the disciples and all Christians not only looked up to Mary as a model of faith but counted on her prayers.

I am one of many women, who is considered to be most “religious” in my family. My husband looks at me with utter amusement as I hurry to mass for First Fridays. My cross is trivial compared to many mothers. But when I feel overwhelmed and alone, it is comforting to know that Our Lady has been there too. She carried on, as we believe as Catholics until she too was assumed unto heaven.

Day in and day out, Mary must have trusted that her life has a meaning and a purpose designed by God the Father. Maybe she said an encouraging word to a new Christian, or offered sacrifice for those who are persecuted. Maybe she reached out to an old friend or a neighbor and enjoyed fellowship. Surely she sensed needs of those around her and brought them to prayer. Maybe she looked at the beauty of nature and praised God. I am sure she spent many hours meditating on scriptures, remembering and pondering Words of her Son. I know she shed countless tears missing Jesus’ physical presence yet trusted in God.

Joyful obedience does not sound humanly possible sometimes. That is exactly why we go to the One who conquered sin and death, and cling to a faith-filled community to give and receive support.

Dear Jesus, and dear Mary as we pick up the pieces going about our day to day, help us to radiate God’s love and mercy on earth through your Holy Spirit. Guide us to share the gifts of care, kindness, and charity you have given us. Amen