Today's Gospel reading portrays Mary as a humble intercessor, leading to Jesus' first public miracle in Cana. Having confidence in her son, she asks the servants to do as He says, and Christ does what His mother asks of Him. Due to this miracle, the couple was able to continue to provide the best wine for the guests.
Who is Mary to us? Why is she a powerful intercessor? What is her role in the Church? Does she really take away the glory that is due to her son, Jesus?
When I moved to the States, I was challenged by Protestants on the role of Mary in the Church and her significance in my life. They would ask me to provide biblical evidence of why the Church hailed her as the mother of God and the Church. As I searched for answers, I encountered great biblical scholars like Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Brant Pitre, and Bishop Barron who had a profound gift of explaining Mary's role in the Church in a clear and succinct language.
In Genesis, Eve leads Adam to sin and disobedience by tempting him to eat of the forbidden fruit of good and evil leading to the fall of humanity. In contrast, Mary is the "New Eve" to Jesus' identity as the "New Adam," as He performs the public miracle of turning the water into wine. Mary points us to her son who redeems mankind through obedience and provides hope from the eternal consequences of sin.
Mary also embraces her role as the new "Queen Mother". In the Jewish tradition, the mother of the King held an important office in his kingdom; she would sit at the right side of his throne and any petition made of her would be granted. Similarly, any request made by Mary to her son Jesus would be granted since she intercedes from heaven seated at Christ's right hand.
These roles of Mary as the Queen Mother and New Eve helped me gain a newfound love and respect for her. I know now that Mary in no way takes away the glory that is due to her son. Rather, she only aids in bringing us closer to Him. St. Maximilian Kolbe says, "Do not be afraid to love the Madonna since you cannot love her more than Jesus did."
It is my sincere prayer and hope that we all look to Mary, our beloved Queen Mother and intercessor. She will take our requests to her son, Jesus, who will grant them in His perfect holy will.
Mary, my mother and guide
Help me get closer to your son, Jesus, and entrust all my petitions to His will
Give me the grace and understanding to be subject to His promises
And help me become more like Him.
Amen.
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