Theotokos

St. Gregory of Nyssa says that the angels were “entranced” to learn that God would find a home in human nature.[1] A suitable home for God was long foretold and anxiously awaited by angels and humanity. There was great rejoicing in Heaven when God found that suitable home, a woman as Archangel Gabriel says, “full of grace.” Out of all the ways God could have manifest, he chose the beloved human nature he created, but not just any human but one fit to house him, birth him, and guide him. Mary! She wasn’t one of the rich and powerful living in a fine palace, but a simple, humble woman in love with God. What truly exalted Mary was her discipleship, (her love of God), her responsiveness to God’s word.[2] Because of her “YES” she carried in her womb, birthed, housed, and nurtured the body, blood, soul and divinity of God—Jesus Christ. Because of her willingness to accept this responsibility, God was able to take human form to save us from our sins. Therefore, we confidently refer to her as the “mother of God.” Theotokos.

Mary was a humble young virgin in her teens who loved and trusted the LORD. Her thoughts and actions were not about self-fulfillment or aggrandizement, they were only about pleasing the LORD. Her momentous acceptance of God’s invitation came with a grave responsibility — to give us our Savior. How can we begin to thank her? She is the God-bearer for us—Theotokos! Being God-bearer is much more than simply birthing God! It’s gifting God to the world.

Upon learning of her elderly cousin’s pregnancy, she knew that she should go and minister to her. Her role as God-bearer began! Mary and her unborn son Jesus traveled over 8o miles. I’m sure their journey must have been difficult. When they arrived, an amazing thing happened, Elizabeth and her son, John, met and experienced Jesus. John leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb. Many theologians believe that this was a sign that John was sanctified and baptized by Jesus. One of the Church Father’s, Origin says, “For Jesus who was in her womb hastened to sanctify John, still in the womb of his mother.” The encounter with Jesus filled Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit who revealed that Mary carried our Savior and moved her to proclaim Mary as blessed among women. In other words, May is unique among women; there was never nor ever will be a woman as blessed as Mary. Thus, without seeking it, Mary became exalted to the greatest of all women, deserving of our honor and reverence. As is declared in the Canticle , “henceforth all generations will call her blessed!”

From the cross Jesus gave Mary to John and John to Mary. In doing so, she became our mother too. Her role is to bring Christ to us. So, we can always go to her for comfort and wisdom. Whenever we go to her, she will point us to her son. She is the God-bearer!

Although she is the mother of God, she shares the role of God-bearer with us. You are participating in an ancient liturgy with roots well back into the Old Testament. From the time you stood for the greeting, you have been immersed in Scripture and Divine Worship. You received Christ as you have been fed with God’s words, especially in the readings, psalm and homily. Soon we’ll begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist and receive him into yourselves. You’ll not just receive a piece of him, but you’ll receive his entire body, blood, and spirit into your temple! You become the Christ-bearer.

When you leave Mass, you become the Christ bearer to the world. Like Mary carried Jesus in her womb and took Jesus to Elizabeth and John. you carry Jesus within you and must take him into the world. Christ depends omn you! Like Elizabeth and John recognized Christ in Mary’s womb, other should recognized Christ within you.

I’ll leave you with two questions:

Do you recognize Christ within yourself.

Do others recognize Christ within you.

[1] Bulson, M. E. (2005). Preach What You Believe: Timeless Homilies for Deacons: Liturgical Cycle B (p. 12). New York; Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press.

[2] Viladesau, R. (1996). Homilies for the Sundays of Advent and Lent (Vol. 4, p. 67). New York; Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press.