The name bestowed on the Blessed Virgin Mary, "Theotokos," Greek for "God-bearer," did not originate from an environment of peace. The Council of Ephesus convened in the year 431 to bestow this title upon Mary amid much theological dissension.
This title, Theotokos, is worth fighting for. Was Mary merely the mother of Jesus' humanity, but not of His divinity? Was she not also the mother of Jesus' divinity? (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 495) Was Mary only a half-mother or a full mother?
If Mary is not the mother of Jesus' divinity, then Jesus doesn't take our humanity to God for our salvation. Theotokos is a critical title, and therefore today's feast, Mary, Mother of God, is a critical feast day. It is important enough to be ranked as a Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church (Catechism, 2177).
Do you believe that Jesus is God? (Jn 1:1ff) Do you believe that Jesus has divine power to forgive sins? (see Lk 5:24) Do you believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man? (Catechism, 464)In believing these truths, it follows that Mary is fully mother of a Child Who is fully God and fully Man (Catechism, 466).
| PRAYER: | Father, thank You for sending Jesus to reconcile divinity and humanity, and for sanctifying Mary as the new Ark of the Covenant. |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you." –Nm 6:25 |
| PRAISE: | "But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1:43) Elizabeth was in awe; let us share in this wonder. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College