Episode 2204: Mary, Our Mother Our Journey to Jesus

We explore the profound role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our faith. We will reflect on the teachings of St. Alphonsus Liguori, the personal testimony of Donald H. Calloway, MIC, and the angelic greeting to Mary in Luke 1:28. Through these reflections, we aim to deepen our understanding of Mary's perfect union with God's will and her role in leading us to Jesus.
Mary's Perfect Union with God's Will
"Mary was the most perfect among the saints only because she was always perfectly united to the will of God." St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus Liguori, a renowned Catholic bishop and theologian, highlights Mary’s unparalleled sanctity rooted in her complete submission to God’s will. This teaching underscores the central Catholic belief in Mary’s role as the exemplar of holiness.
Perfect Unity with God’s Will: Mary's perfection lies in her unwavering alignment with God’s will. This total submission is the essence of her sanctity and a model for all Christians.
Exemplar of Holiness: Mary’s life demonstrates the path to holiness through obedience and trust in God. Her example encourages us to seek God’s will in every aspect of our lives.
Role in Salvation History: Mary’s fiat, her yes to God, was pivotal in the Incarnation, making her central to God’s plan of salvation. Her obedience brings forth the Savior, emphasizing the power and grace of submission to God's will.
A Journey of Conversion and Mary's Maternal Intercession
"I heard myself wondering, 'How would it be possible for me to change or be forgiven?' As I continued to read [a book about the Blessed Virgin Mary], the answer became clear. The Virgin Mary was saying that people have to believe in God and have faith. They have to surrender and give their lives to her also, so she can present them to her divine Son... Yet I found myself very attracted and captivated by this someone who I couldn't see - this Virgin Mary... The book said she was living in heaven, sent by God for sinners, for people like me who had gone off and were living sinful lives. Yet how was I going to give my life to Jesus? I hated Jesus! The Virgin Mary was saying things that were so clear and captivating that I found myself moved and literally experiencing emotion in a deep way. This was a kind of emotion I hadn't experienced since I was a little boy who really loved his mother and wanted to make her happy. And yet the Virgin Mary was saying that she was my mother, that she was the mother of those who had gone astray and was calling us back to God, to Jesus." Donald H. Calloway, MIC
Donald H. Calloway’s testimony illustrates the transformative power of Mary’s maternal intercession. His journey from a life of sin to conversion highlights Mary’s role in leading souls to Jesus.

Maternal Intercession: Mary’s role as a spiritual mother involves guiding sinners back to her Son. Her intercession is powerful and filled with maternal compassion.
Call to Surrender: Calloway’s experience shows the importance of surrendering to Mary, who then presents us to Jesus. This surrender involves trust and faith in her maternal care.
Emotional Connection: The deep emotional response Calloway describes reflects the profound love and care that Mary has for each of her children, drawing them back to the heart of Jesus.
The Angelic Greeting and Mary's Fullness of Grace
"And [the angel] came to her and said, 'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!'" Luke 1:28
The angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary in Luke 1:28 highlights her unique role in God’s plan and her exceptional grace. This moment signifies Mary’s divine favor and her pivotal role in salvation history.
Full of Grace: The term "full of grace" indicates Mary’s unique sanctity and her complete receptivity to God’s grace. This grace prepares her for her role as the Mother of God.
Divine Presence: Gabriel’s declaration that "the Lord is with you" underscores Mary’s special relationship with God. Her life is marked by His presence and favor.
Role in the Incarnation: This greeting sets the stage for the Annunciation, where Mary consents to become the Mother of the Savior. Her acceptance is a model of faith and obedience for all Christians.
Conclusion:
In this episode, we have explored the profound role of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the teachings of St. Alphonsus Liguori, the personal testimony of Donald H. Calloway, and the angelic greeting in Luke 1:28. We are reminded of Mary’s perfect union with God’s will, her powerful intercession, and her unique grace.

Thank you for joining us and stay tuned for our next episode as we continue to delve into the rich teachings of our faith. May the Blessed Virgin Mary guide you closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.