Reflection for Saturday, Dec. 12

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the readings are focused on Mary. Mary – what an important and amazing character in the story of Jesus and in our Catholic faith. There is no doubt that her silent courage, strength, and faith are second to none.

As a female cradle Catholic, however, my relationship with Mary has been quite fraught and complicated. It has also been an integral part of my own faith journey. Since I could remember, Mary’s name was either synonymous with or preceded by such words as “Holy”, “Pure”, “Blessed Virgin” and “Mother of God”. Mary was someone to whom I could pray, adore, and emulate, but as I grew older, she was not someone to whom I could relate. After all, I was just a mere mortal and could never be as holy as she. Over time, I grew resentful and even dismissive of Mary, perhaps out of feeling as though my own faith or holiness could never measure up to that of Mary’s.

I remember clearly when my relationship with Mary began to change and grow. I was in a group setting in which we were having a prayerful reflection. A dear and wise friend challenged each individual in the group to just sit in stillness and to say “I am holy” - and to reflect on that reality. Saying those words to myself, first out loud and then repeating silently, was extremely challenging and uncomfortable for me. In my 50+ years, I had never said or even dared to think those words about myself. It seemed too prideful, and dare I say sinful. But that realization, that “I am holy”, was the realization that allowed me to begin to connect to God, to Mary, and to others more fully. Each and every one of us is holy (an important concept to remember in these divided times). Yet for some reason, we fail to recognize it in ourselves, and for that matter, in others.

I am grateful that Mary has now become a “friend” to me on this journey we call life, someone who is real, inspiring, and relatable. I can think of no better way to honor Mary than to put aside 60 seconds today and sit with the words “I am holy”, allowing those words to fully encompass and embrace us.

Andrea Melanson Wlochowski