Throughout the lives of the saints, there are many characteristics that, though expressed in unique ways, are all shared in common. Every saint, for example, has lived a deep life of prayer. They have led fervent sacramental and liturgical lives and have remained close to the Church, the Body of Christ. Each saint has also demonstrated a love for neighbor that is often heroic- far surpassing society’s minimal standards of merely being a “good person” or simply tolerating others.
There is, however, another characteristic found in the lives of the saints that is essential to a life of holiness: a profound and fervent love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. This characteristic is sometimes less noticeable, yet without it the possibility of becoming a saint would be greatly diminished, if not impossible. For there is no saint in the history of the Church- nor will there be any in the future-who does not possess a great love for Mary.
Yet the saints did not merely love Mary. Each one, in his or her own unique way, sought her intercession, took her into their home as Mother (Jn 19:27), and followed Christ in prayer, apostolate, and in the many trials of life with Mary at their side. Every saint has regarded a relationship with Mary not as an obstacle to intimacy with Jesus, nor as a distraction in the pursuit of holiness, but as a necessary component for following Christ more deeply.
What, then, was the fruit of the saint’s love for Mary? It was something that we hopefully all desire: a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The more they prayed to her and sought her assistance in the practical realities of their lives and vocations, the more they came to know Jesus, love Him, and give themselves to Him without reserve. This filial love and devotion to Mary enabled the saints to become more like Jesus, and, therefore, truly holy.
Through the example and testimony of the saints, we can glean a very important spiritual principle at work: wherever Mary is present, Christ is born. Mary did not bring Jesus into the world only once in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago; in accordance with the will of God, she continues to bring Him to us in ever greater abundance to the degree that we love her and accept her motherhood in our lives.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Image: Depositphotos
