The Role of Mothers in shaping the world we live in, one person at a time
In 2018, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the publication of Mulieris Dignitatem (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women), which was an Apostolic Letter written by Pope St John Paul II. Mulieris Dignitatem (MD) restates a number of aspects of traditional Church teaching but it also presented some new insights into the dignity and vocation of women.
At the centre of St John Pau II’s fresh insights is the central role that Mary plays in salvation history. He views the Annunciation as an occasion of interpersonal dialogue between God and humanity. He saw that Mary’s humble yes to God was a highpoint for the personal dignity of women. Her response to the Angel Gabriel, “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord (Luke 1:38)”, reminds us that service to God and our neighbour is an essential part of the royal dignity of service that is the vocation of every Christian (MD 5).
Another fresh insight in MD is the idea that a man, to a large extent, has to learn his fatherhood from the mother of his children (MD 18). This insight comes from the reality that a mother is more intimately connected with development of the child in her womb. This insight is still true even in an age in which 3D ultrasound is opening up a window into the hidden world of a mother’s womb.
In my journey as a father of six children I have learnt an amazing amount about being a father from my wife, as she has grown in her motherhood. During each pregnancy I have learnt to serve to a greater degree. Even after the birth of our six children the shared task of parenting continues to teach me even more about fatherhood and service to my wife and children.
This process of learning how to serve as a man reminds me in some way of Mary’s role in initiating Jesus’ public ministry. At the wedding in Cana, Mary was attuned to the needs of others when she saw that the wine was running out. By insisting that her son work his first miracle, she set in motion a process in which her son would reveal himself as The Son through his death and resurrection.
Each year, Mother’s Day represents a chance for us all to reflect on and celebrate the exemplary role that mothers have played in our lives and how their influence has shaped who we are.
Image: Henry Ossawa Tanner: The Annunciation
By Ben Smith, Director Office of Life, Family & Marriage