On this first day of 2020, the beginning of a new decade, it is the traditional time of year for many of us to reflect on resolution-making. As we gather this day to honor Mary as Mother of God, perhaps the model of her own life might inspire us as we reflect on our resolutions for the coming New Year. I’d like to suggest five resolutions from Mary’s own life, that might serve us all well in the year that is before us:
Be open to God’s will.
In our first Scriptural encounter with Mary we meet a young Jewish girl who says “yes” to God’s strange request, even without total understanding. Her response was one of complete trust and courage.
She didn’t say, “Who, me? Why me? What will people think?” Rather, she said, “Yes.” She believed she had gifts that were being called upon and she had the courage to be open to God’s will for her.
In this New Year, let us exercise the same openness to God when our gifts are called upon, even if we feel too busy or afraid. Trust and the power of the Spirit will support you.
Be a Christ-bearer to the world.
The Greeks gave Mary the title Theotokos, which means God-bearer. And, indeed, she is the bearer of God made flesh to the world. We, too bear Christ’s Spirit in us and share him with the world through our presence, love and service. This year let us do our Christ-bearing more consciously and each time recognize Christ being reborn in us through our love and actions.
Be attentive to the needs of others
Remember the Wedding Feast of Cana? Mary was the one who noted the depletion of wine, and she was the one who did something about it.
Sensitive to others, she did not shrink from taking responsibility when she saw a need that she could help meet. Let us, in the New Year, use that same sensitivity, attentiveness and leadership in our own homes, neighborhoods and society.
Be compassionate toward those who suffer
Mary at the foot of the cross was the epitome of compassion. She is also the compassionate companion of every sorrowful person who has experienced a loss, suffered sickness, heartache and pain. This year, when we are called upon to stand at the foot of those countless crosses of others, let us open ourselves to share their pain with loving passion.
For compassion means to suffer with another.
Be open to the call of the Spirit
In the story of Pentecost, we find Mary and the other disciples being empowered by Christ’s Spirit to become church. In that upper room they understand what it means to bring Christ’s life, care concern, attention, compassion and hope to others. Let us place ourselves next to Mary in that room, opening ourselves to the Spirit to better understand what living our baptismal call means. For we are initiated into church to make a difference in the world through our discipleship one with another.
May these resolutions inspired by Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, be an encouragement to us all as we enter this new decade. May they help us to live the life of faith with courage and integrity as Mary did.