Cry aloud to the Lord! O wall of daughter Zion!
Let tears stream down like a torrent day and night!
Give yourself no rest, your eyes no respite!
Lamentations 2, 18

And Simeon blessed them,
and said to Mary his mother:
Behold this child is set for the fall,
and for the resurrection of many in Israel,
and for a sign which shall be contradicted:
And thy own soul a sword shall pierce,
that, out of many hearts,
thoughts may be revealed.
Luke 2, 34-35

The Virgin Mary is recognized for her profound response to the angel Gabriel's announcement regarding the birth of Jesus. Her declaration, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word,” reflects her acceptance and joy despite the potential challenges she would face as the mother of the Messiah. As she contemplated the grace bestowed upon her by God, Mary understood that her role went beyond that of a typical mother; it encompassed a divine purpose that required significant sacrifice.

Mary was chosen not only to give birth to Jesus, whose name in Hebrew, Yeshua, means “God is salvation,” but also to raise him as he came to fulfill his mission of redemption for humanity. Jesus was destined to be more than just a carpenter; He was the incarnate Son of God, sent to save humankind from sin and death as a king-priest in the line of David. Therefore, Mary’s role as a mother was recognized as a supernatural vocation, preordained by God for the benefit of all people. Her selection as God's handmaid showcases her favored status in divine plans, enabling her to contribute to a spiritual service that would impact countless souls.

Mary recognized that the Hebrew patriarchs, judges, and prophets were called to serve God throughout their lives. This understanding led her to believe that her role in raising Jesus would not conclude once he reached adulthood. She also acknowledged the likelihood of facing various hardships during her journey. However, she also navigated the uncertainty of faith, which required her complete trust in God. Mary likely contemplated the notion that the birth of her Son signified a lifelong mission for both of them, suggesting that they would be connected in a shared endeavor of considerable personal sacrifice until the fulfillment of God's plan.

Mary's pronouncement of her Fiat marked a significant commitment to the spiritual service of humanity, responding to the need for restoration to God's favor following humanity's fall from grace. In collaboration with God for the salvation of souls, she was called to endure suffering alongside her Divine Son, as noted in Colossians 1:24. Embracing true faith, Mary displayed a readiness to face the trials that accompanied her role as the mother of God's anointed One.

One of her first major challenges was the flight into Egypt with the infant Jesus, an event that foreshadowed the numerous sorrows she would experience as the Lord's handmaid (Mt 2:13-23). Empowered by divine grace, Mary accepted her maternal responsibilities with a mindset of renunciation, ultimately seeking to make amends to God for the sins of the world. This culminated in her offering of Jesus back to the Father at Calvary, reflecting the faithful spirit of Abraham (Gen 22:9-10).

The imagery beneath the Cross signifies a pivotal moment for the sorrowful Mother, realizing that the child she had joyfully conceived is, in His Divine Person, the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin. Unlike the paschal lambs of the Old Covenant, which served as temporary atonements, Jesus alone could accomplish eternal reconciliation for humanity's sins through the single act of His sacrifice, as articulated in Hebrews 9:11-14, 23-26. The Lord’s handmaid fully embraced the belief that any suffering she was to endure, stemming from her profound love for God and her Son, who was both God and man, would ultimately serve a greater purpose, as demonstrated in Genesis 22:15-18.

The concept of Mary as the Lord's Handmaid highlights her pivotal role in the Christian faith, particularly in relation to the message of the Gospel. According to 1 Corinthians 4:15, she is seen as having spiritually begotten believers in Christ Jesus by embracing the Gospel message deeply within her heart. Despite the potential suffering and obscurity it brought, Mary's acceptance of the angel's message establishes her as our spiritual mother.

This is particularly evident when considering her presence at the foot of the Cross, where she might have reflected on her unique role in salvation history. In Numbers 11:12, the imagery of carrying others in one’s bosom parallels Mary’s maternal relationship with all believers. She is recognized as the spiritual mother of all humanity, often called the new Eve. This designation stems from her profound faith and willingness to act upon the word of God, resembling Abraham's faith that led him to become the father of many nations. Thus, Mary’s belief and actions have far-reaching implications, extending her motherhood across all nations and generations.

Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, is a significant precursor to Mary’s offering of her son, Jesus. In a poignant moment during the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Mary acted in part as a dedication of her son to God the Father, which harkens back to Abraham's profound display of faith (as referenced in Luke 2:22-36). During this event, the prophet Simeon highlighted the essential role Mary would play in the plan of salvation when he proclaimed to her, “And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts shall be revealed” (Lk 2:35). This statement underscores the deep relational and spiritual implications of Mary's motherhood and her connection to the larger narrative of redemption.

Mary could not have anticipated the events that would unfold at Golgotha approximately thirty-three years later. This moment would see her standing at the foot of the Cross, witnessing the immense suffering and death of her Son at the hands of sinners. During this heart-wrenching experience, she likely recalled the prophetic words of Simeon and the poignant messages from the prophet Isaiah, which were not traditionally associated with the expected Messiah (Isa 53:3-5). Mary, alongside Simeon, was among the first to recognize Jesus as the Suffering Servant. However, the details of His suffering would deeply affect her, creating a profound experience within her as a mother. She played a pivotal role in the salvation narrative envisioned by Isaiah. It is possible that, in her moments of reflection after these events, Mary connected the identity of Jesus with the Suffering Servant, contemplating Simeon’s foreboding words and their implications for her son.

Mary’s understanding of her role as a mother evolved significantly through her experiences related to the Paschal mystery. She came to recognize that her motherhood was more deeply connected to her Son’s suffering and death than to the joy of his birth and nurturing, as highlighted in Luke 11:27-28. The relationship between Mary and Jesus, spanning from his nativity to his first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana, where he responded to her request, was part of a much larger Divine plan. Mary was not only predestined to be Jesus's natural mother but also chosen to serve as the spiritual mother of all humanity. By giving her consent, or Fiat, she embraced a dual role as a mother, one that is eschatological in nature and extends beyond her time on earth, continuing even to the present day and into the future.

The Virgin Mary, often regarded as the new Eve, is central to Christian theology as the mother of Jesus, who is viewed as the new Adam. Her role was to bring forth the fruit of eternal life, as she conceived and gave birth to Jesus, the source of all saving grace. This act is seen not only as a physiological event but also as a spiritual one, where, through Mary, all who are regenerated in Christ are welcomed into a new relationship with God. This concept highlights the idea that Mary experienced a profound spiritual birthing, as she embraced the pain and suffering associated with the Crucifixion of her son. This moment is poignantly captured in the biblical imagery of Revelation 12:2, where Mary is described as being in labor, symbolizing the deep sorrow and anguish she felt while witnessing the sacrifice of Jesus.

Mary is recognized as a foundational figure in Catholic theology, particularly at the moment of the Annunciation, when she first accepted the divine message and conceived Jesus in her heart before carrying him in her womb. St. Augustine highlighted this profound connection, noting that without Mary's acceptance, the Incarnation might not have occurred, fundamentally altering the path to salvation, as Calvary and the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, rely on this event.

This moment was intricately woven into God's divine plan, as evidenced by the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, a young girl from Nazareth, who was around fourteen years old. Mary, much like Eve in her initial state of innocence, was called to trust in God's will, setting aside her own desires. While Eve's lack of faith led to humanity's fall from grace and expulsion from Eden, Mary’s faithful response to God’s call ultimately contributed to the resurrection of Jesus, the new Adam, who ascended to Heaven to assume his place beside God. This pivotal turning point in the narrative of salvation also symbolizes the triumph over evil, as articulated in the biblical text (Revelation 12:5, 10), which speaks of the victory achieved through Christ’s sacrifice.

Mary's role as a mother is a significant aspect of Catholic theology, particularly highlighted by her acceptance of God's plan when she declared, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.” This moment reflects her willing consent to become the mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. In Catholic belief, Mary was predestined for this role, symbolizing the motherhood of all living beings. She is often referred to as the spouse of the Holy Spirit, particularly when discussing the Annunciation, where it is noted that the Holy Spirit overshadowed her (Lk 1:35). This divine act positions her not only as Jesus' biological mother but also as a mother of a spiritual nature, appointed in the order of grace. Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes her unique relationship with Jesus, as seen when He addresses her as "Woman" from the Cross while entrusting her to the care of the Disciple John, proclaiming him as her son (Jn 19:26-27). This signifies her pivotal role in the spiritual lineage of humanity and highlights her enduring importance within the Christian faith.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is often understood to have endured suffering alongside her Son to contribute to humanity's redemption. Her maternal agony stemmed from a profound love for God, who is hurt by sin, and for her Son, who faced the crucifixion because of that sin. This suffering played a crucial role in redefining her divine motherhood. Mary's spiritual motherhood is fundamentally linked to her participation in Jesus's mission of redemption, which required reparatory suffering and self-denial. From the Cross, Jesus affirmed Mary’s role as the universal mother of all humanity, highlighting her significant involvement in his passion. This participation is essential to understanding the validation of her motherhood in the context of salvation.

Mary's experience during childbirth is often seen as a profound moment of sacrifice, symbolizing her willingness to share in humanity's suffering. This willingness is illustrated through her acceptance of the Cross, which she embraced alongside her Son, Jesus. The imagery of her resting her tear-stained cheek on the Cross connects her deeply to Christ's suffering, highlighting the emotional pain she endured as a mother. The concept of Mary being spiritually united with her Son in His suffering suggests that both shared in the crucifixion experience, as foretold by Simeon. This connection is mirrored in the writings of the apostle Paul, particularly in his Letter to the Galatians (2:20), where he expresses the transformative power of the crucifixion and living in Christ. Thus, Mary's sorrow serves as a poignant reminder of the redemptive sacrifice made for the sins of the world.

Indeed, Mary sacrificed her maternal rights by faithfully offering the fruit of her womb over and against a mother’s natural instinct for the sins of the world. She made temporal satisfaction to God in union with her beloved Son’s satisfaction. God honored her peace offering for the reconciliation of sinful humanity to God, for her Son lived in her by her supernatural act of charity and grace. The Lord was with His Blessed Mother, and she with Him. The full force of the angel’s words at the Annunciation pierced her soul as she caressed the Cross in her mother’s anguish. Because of this sacrifice of hers, Mary rightfully became the spiritual mother of all people in whom her Son lives. Our sorrowful “mother with the Redeemer” really is our Mother by being our 'co-Redemptrix.'

Mary's experience of sorrow due to sin plays a significant role in her ability to give birth to descendants who are regenerated in the life of grace. Her sacred womb, which bore Jesus, serves as a model for the Mystical Body of Christ, which is the Church, as referenced in Ephesians 4:4-13. This dual aspect of her maternity highlights that Mary is our heavenly Mother, not only because she conceived and gave birth to Jesus, who is both the head and body of the Church, but also because through her Divine Maternity, we become part of the Church. When individuals are baptized, they are spiritually and mystically conceived in Mary’s womb and brought forth through the sacrament of initiation. This sacrament grants them the grace of justification and forgiveness. Therefore, all validly baptized Christians can be seen as having a connection to Mary, as she serves as the Mother of the Church and a faithful handmaid to our Lord.

In the context of ancient Christian theology, the term "Woman" used by Jesus while on the Cross refers back to Eve, symbolizing a connection to humanity's original state before the Fall. This reference highlights Mary as the new Eve, who becomes spiritually the mother of all believers. Consequently, all followers of Christ are seen as her children, sharing in a spiritual kinship with Jesus, although this relationship is not based on biological ties. The New Testament reinforces this idea, particularly in Romans 8:29, which states that God foreknew those who would become His children, predestining them to be conformed to the image of His Son. This indicates that Jesus is the "firstborn" among many brothers and sisters, affirming the familial relationship between Christ and His disciples.

Now, why art thou drawn together with grief?
Hast thou no king in thee,
or is thy counsellor perished,
because sorrow hath taken thee as a woman in labour?
Micah 4, 9

Mary stood beneath the Cross, profoundly affected by the world's sins, experiencing deep anguish in her heart and soul. This maternal suffering served as a form of reparation for the sinful pleasures that humanity often indulges in without considering their impact on God. By taking on the form of a servant alongside her divine Son in His humanity, Mary played a crucial role in restoring justice between God and humankind. Her significant personal sacrifice is viewed as a counteraction to Eve's act of disobedience. Through her intense inner suffering, Mary made a form of temporal satisfaction to God, motivated by her love for Him and her desire to appease the offenses against Him, as well as her love for her Son, who bore the burden of sin. This act of love illustrates the profound connection between Mary's suffering and the reconciliation of humanity with God.

Mary’s maternal sacrifice is often seen as a significant act aimed at reconciliation with God for humanity, which has been deeply affected by sin. By aligning her desires with the Divine will, she sought to free humanity from the bondage of sin and the fear of death, which originated from the transgression of Adam and Eve. Her act of temporal satisfaction was intimately connected with the satisfaction achieved by her Son, Jesus Christ, both in a temporal and an eternal sense. Together, Mary and Jesus united their human wills with that of the Father, striving to address the sins of the world and appease God both momentarily and eternally. This act of temporal satisfaction was deemed necessary before Christ could open the gates of Heaven, a goal that he chose to pursue in collaboration with his mother, who is revered as both blessed and a devoted servant.

For I heard a cry as of a woman in labor,
anguish as of one bringing forth her first child,
the cry of daughter Zion gasping for breath,
stretching out her hands,
“Woe is me! I am fainting before killers!”
Jeremiah 4, 31

The teachings of St. Paul highlight an important aspect of Christian understanding regarding suffering and redemption. In Hebrews 12:10, St. Paul states, “For they disciplined us for a short time at their pleasure, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” This passage underscores the belief that divine discipline serves a beneficial purpose, aiming to align believers with God's holiness. Additionally, in Colossians 1:24, St. Paul expresses that the “lacking in Christ’s afflictions” pertains to the necessity of addressing temporal punishment for sin. This suggests that individuals have the opportunity to “complete” the eternal expiation Christ provided through their own sufferings offered in unity with His. Such redemptive suffering is not just about personal loss; it acts as a means of achieving temporal remission of sin’s debt.

According to Catholic Christian theology, God requires this form of suffering to restore justice between sinners and Himself, facilitating a process of sanctification or justification that ultimately prepares one for entrance into heaven. This belief is grounded in the belief that God is just, as stated in Isaiah 30:18 and Psalm 9:8, which mention His equity in judgment. Furthermore, the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary is significant in this context. It is believed that she bore temporal punishment as a form of satisfaction for the sins of the world—past, present, and future—aligned with her Son’s divine suffering, which has both temporal and eternal implications. This understanding emphasizes the interconnectedness of Christ’s sacrifice and the redemptive suffering that believers may undergo.

Mary, having been preserved free from original sin, plays a vital role in restoring the friendship and justice between God and humanity. This restoration complements the redemptive work of her Son, Jesus Christ. While Jesus took up His cross, Mary also embraced her sufferings to fulfill God's plan of salvation. As the new maternal representative for humanity, she endured these hardships so that believers might share in the Lord’s reign, as noted in 2 Timothy 2:12. This message emphasizes that, like Mary, individuals are called to take up their own crosses in order to fully benefit from the grace and merits gained through her and her Son’s united efforts in salvation.

The role of Mary, referred to as Our Lord’s Handmaid, counterbalances Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden. Unlike Eve, who acted out of self-interest, Mary exemplified charity and grace by willingly accepting significant personal sacrifice. In her deep love for God, she chose to endure painful loss, demonstrating a commitment that stood in stark contrast to Eve’s indifference toward God in favor of her own desires. Mary’s acceptable sacrifice was rooted in love and mercy, as noted in Hosea 6:6, which emphasizes the importance of genuine compassion over mere ritual.

Additionally, it is suggested that Jesus' sacrifice was significantly influenced by his relationship with Mary; he valued her willingness to unite her suffering with his, highlighting the depth of their connection. The concept of redemption is twofold. While the formal aspect of redemption, often referred to as objective redemption, is established through Christ’s sacrifice, it requires personal application—known as subjective redemption. This personal aspect is illustrated through Mary’s sorrowful love, which guides believers in embracing their own crosses in unity with her Son, ultimately leading to salvation.

The sacrifice of a loving mother, who offers the life of her cherished child to God, exemplifies the depth of maternal devotion. In theological terms, this act is seen as a profound sorrow that seeks to appease the Divine wrath, particularly in the context of offenses against God. In the Christian tradition, Mary's role as the Lord’s handmaid signifies her unique call to help reconcile humanity with God, working in harmony with her divine Son through personal sacrifice. This relationship is characterized not by equality in merit but by cooperation with the grace provided through her Son's actions. Mary's divine motherhood is viewed as an extension of her compassion and care for all of God's children, encompassing the entire world. By remaining steadfast in grace and exercising faith and love, Mary countered Eve's disobedience and rightfully took on the role of the mother of redeemed humanity. This position includes all those who have been restored to a renewed relationship with God through the merits of Jesus Christ.

Enlarge the place of thy tent,
and stretch out the skins of thy tabernacles,
spare not: lengthen thy cords,
and strengthen thy stakes.
For thou shalt pass on to the right hand, and to the left:
and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles,
and shall inhabit the desolate cities.
Isaiah 54, 2-3

The interplay between Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and her obedience to God's will is significant in the context of humanity's justification. Jesus' sacrifice, symbolized by His blood, was intended to extend grace and forgiveness, fostering spiritual renewal for all individuals. Prior to the Incarnation, Mary was specially prepared by God's grace, enabling her to make personal sacrifices for the redemption of both Israel and the broader world, contingent upon her consent. Jesus' willingness to offer His life is central to the atonement for humanity's sins and the liberation from sin and death, as highlighted in scripture passages such as John 10:18 and Galatians 1:4. However, this divine act was intricately linked to Mary's acceptance of her role, which required her to prioritize God's plan over her own maternal rights. This decision involved embracing the responsibility of following Jesus in His suffering, as outlined in Luke 9:23-24. Mary fully embraced this role by expressing her Fiat, guided by the Holy Spirit, despite facing uncertainty and challenges in her faith.

Mary is regarded as a spiritual mother to the world. She exemplified moral courage during a profoundly sorrowful moment when she witnessed the crucifixion of her Son, Jesus Christ. This heart-wrenching experience stemmed from her immense love for humanity, which was in turmoil due to sin. Mary wished to align her will with God's desire for the salvation of all people, as expressed in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, which emphasizes the importance of everyone coming to the knowledge of the truth. In her role as the mother of all, and symbolically represented as Mother Zion, Mary acted in a manner typical of any caring mother by interceding for her children and addressing their needs. Her actions, motivated by charity and grace, were in accordance with the Divine will. As a result, God recognized her sacrifices and blessed them in a manner reminiscent of how He honored Abraham's offering of Isaac.

Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.
Then all your people will be righteous
and they will possess the land forever.
They are the shoot I have planted,
the work of my hands,
for the display of my splendor.”
Isaiah 60, 20-21

Mary became the mother of our Lord and Savior through her free consent, which was deeply intertwined with the work of the Holy Spirit and divine grace. It was through the grace of the Holy Spirit that Mary was granted true merit in her role. Moved by the Spirit, she acted in a manner that was both acceptable and pleasing to God. To physically conceive Jesus, Mary first had to embrace Him spiritually in her heart. Furthermore, her worthiness as the mother of the Son of God was contingent upon her willingness to unite with Him in His redemptive mission, embodying a perfect love for God and humanity while rejecting sin. The scripture highlights this point, stating, “In burnt offerings and sin offerings, you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do your will, O God” (Heb 10:6-9). Mary’s consent was as significant as that of her Son, aligning with the Father’s wisdom and righteousness. Her acceptance of the role of bringing the Messiah into the world was honored by God, as it was in accordance with His divine will, just as the Son’s willingness to enter the world was honored by the Father for the same reason.

Mary's unwavering commitment to God's will was a constant throughout her life, mirroring the obedience demonstrated by Jesus, the Son of Man, during his time on earth. Jesus is recognized as the source of human salvation due to his complete adherence to the Father's will. In the Scriptures, it is stated that God appointed Jesus as our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, as he was perfected through the experience of obedience learned in suffering, reflecting God's love and goodness (Hebrews 5:8-10). Similarly, Mary underwent a process of perfection akin to that of her Son, which allowed God to redefine her role as Mother and ultimately designate her as the Mother of the Church and our co-Redemptrix.

Mary is recognized for conceiving and giving birth to the Divine Messiah, a significant event attributed to her willingness to engage in the good works that God had prepared for her (Eph 2:10). Through her acts of mercy and charity, she became the spiritual mother of all believers. It is emphasized that, as her children, we should strive to emulate her example if we wish to embody Christ in our own souls and attain salvation. Mary’s willingness to align her will with God’s plan, supported by divine grace, bestowed supernatural merit upon her faith-filled actions. Her acceptance of God’s will is seen as a crucial counterpoint to Eve's choice to consent to temptation from the serpent. By saying "Yes" to God, Mary effectively reversed the consequences of Eve's "No." Her affirmative response is symbolically described as crushing the serpent's head, allowing God's saving light to penetrate the world. This light radiated from Mary, who is honored as the Blessed Handmaid, magnifying God's glory as expressed in Luke 1:46.

​“But we must consider another marvelous aspect of the comparison between Eve and Mary. Eve
became for men the cause of death, because through her death entered the world. Mary, however,
was the cause of life, because life has come to us through her. For this reason, the Son of God
came into the world, and, ‘where sin abounded grace super abounded (Rom. 5:20). Whence death
had its origin, thence came forth life, so that life would succeed death. If death came from woman,
then death was shut out by him who, by means of the woman, became our life.”
St. Epiphanius of Salamis, Against Heresies, 87
(ante A.D. 403)

So, the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 51,11