This belief reminds us of Mary's ongoing intercession and guidance in our lives, as she nurtures our spiritual growth and helps us draw closer to her Son, Jesus. Offering the faithful, at St Chrysostoms, a loving presence and a model of faith. We turn to Mary seeking her guidance and intercession.
The Assumption serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the promise of eternal life. It signifies the ultimate reward for a life lived in accordance with God’s will, where we reflect on our own journey towards holiness, and challenge ourselves to remember “what would Mary do?”.
But, how do we think about Mary’s role as our Spiritual Mother, coupled with her Assumption, in our day to day lives? In moments of personal struggle, where we feel overwhelmed at work or have family tension, we can turn to Mary for comfort. We ask Her intercession with simple prayers; She grants patience and clarity. When making important decisions - whether it's changing careers, starting a new family, or choosing a school for your children - calling upon Mary's guidance eases anxiety and provides direction. Perhaps that by reminding ourselves how to pray the rosary?
Mary's nurturing love encourages everyday small acts of kindness and patience. At work, we practise Mary's compassion by acknowledging colleagues' efforts, offering encouragement, or sharing constructive feedback. When dealing with difficult clients or customers, we use her example to respond with patience and understanding, turning potentially negative interactions into positive experiences.
At home, Mary's model of unconditional love can be as simple spending time together and sharing thoughts at dinner, listening without judgment, and offering support when needed.
The Assumption, meanwhile, encourages us to maintain hope through life's ups and downs. Mary’s devotion to God’s will reminds us to trust in His plan, which we can hear when we truly listen in regular prayer.
As we conclude this series, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey we've taken through Mariology. We began by exploring Mary as a model of discipleship, followed by her role as Theotokos. We delved into her perpetual virginity and considered the grace-filled doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. Each of these teachings enriches our understanding of who Mary is and how she influences our faith. Through these short articles, we’ve aimed to draw closer to Mary, allowing her example to guide our spiritual path. As our journey in May ends, we hope to carry these insights forward, letting them inspire our faith and actions throughout the year.
