Imitating Mary, the First Missionary

Sister Christina shares how we can bring Jesus to others, as Mary did when she visited her cousin Elizabeth before the birth of John the Baptist. 

I don’t know where I first heard it, but I know Our Blessed Mother Mary has been referred to as "the first missionary," having brought Jesus to Elizabeth and John the Baptist while He was still inside her.  

I had cause to reflect on this some time back as I was reluctantly preparing to lead the weekly ecumenical service for our Protestant residents. The regular leader was out of town for two weeks and there weren’t a lot of other people jumping at the chance to take over in his absence.  Thankfully, he had prepared the curriculum, for lack of a better word, ahead of time.   

As I glanced over the chosen gospel reading for Saturday services, that of Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth, I remembered Mary’s being acclaimed “the first missionary.”  As I began thinking about what I might say to the small group of residents, I realized that I “might be onto something” in reflecting on this title and role of Mary.  

As my thoughts continued, some insights emerged. 

Mary's Example Can Inspire Our Kindness 

Mary serves as an example to us ordinary people. She lived in seemingly ordinary circumstances, yet she brought Our Savior into the world. She helped change history in a huge way!  

We, by our deeds of kindness and love, can also bring Jesus to others.  A simple smile from ordinary me or you can show the love of Jesus to someone who really needs it.  

Mary was open to the Holy Spirit and quickly went on a mission of charity to her elderly relative.    

We, too, I think, should pray daily to the Holy Spirit, to guide us in our lives.  We never know who He might want to send us to, in order to bring Jesus to them! 

What does the Catechism say about Mary as a missionary? 

As I revisited this previous reflection and prepared these thoughts for you today, I have come across a passage in the Catechism of the Catholic Church which is most insightful:  

Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it … the Blessed Virgin advanced in her pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in her union with her Son unto the cross. (CCC 964) 

As we strive to follow Mary’s example, this passage reminds us of the primary place union with our Lord must have.  Before she was missionary, before she was even mother, Mary was full of grace.  She lived in relationship with the Trinity.   

If we are to bring the love of Christ to our families and our world, we need first to foster this relationship with Him.  

From this relationship will come the love and joy we can share with those around us.   

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Copyright 2024 Sister Christina Marie Neumann, OSF
Images: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Nathaniel Theodore Lyon, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons