MOTHER OF SALVATION: SOURCE OF COURAGE
COMMENTARY ARCHIVES, 14 Jan 2010
If there is one common element among all human beings, it would be this. They all want to be saved when confronted with danger of any kind. To save their beloved ones from danger, most humans would be ready to risk their lives. Throughout history, we find great religious figures from Buddha down to Jesus all the way to Mahatma Gandhi and beyond who give up all the treasures of the world to help elevate the sacredness of human lives. A recent example was Mother Teresa of Calcutta who chose to work for the poorest of the poor.
Great Women in History
Many stories were written throughout the centuries both in the Old and New Testament about the bravery of women. These were those who consumed their lives helping their children grow up to be both spiritually and physically sound. Each time this was observed we always ended up having strong and peaceful communities. Working for one’s salvation may not be an easy task in many instances. It would require courage to say what needs to be said and to do what needs to be done.
In human relations, courage is also described as fearlessness. This is revealed in our ability to select good over evil, to be righteous rather than deceitful, and to express altruism rather than egoism in our actions. At one time or another, most of us must have experienced our willingness to walk on the right path even at the cost of sacrifice. But then when we start moving forward we often shift to the wrong path that may stem from fear of losing friends and popularity, among other possibilities.
Some may have good intentions in what they seek to do but very unfortunately choose the wrong means to reach their goal. This explains the traditional saying that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” In view of what has been stated, it is obvious that all human beings need divine help and guidance in anything they may wish to do. Many have developed the habit to have recourse to the Blessed Mother, commonly known as the Virgin Mary, to do in life what needs to be done courageously.
Over the centuries, the Virgin May has been sought for help by countless millions that included not only Christians but also members of other religions including Buddhism. In fact, several years ago Buddhists in Sri Lanka marched with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima along the streets of Colombo chanting praises for her. During the decade of the eighties in Medjugorje, the Virgin Mary appearing to six little children told them: “I am the Mother of all people, of those who know me and of those who do not know me as well as of those who accept me and of those who reject me; and I love them all very dearly.”
Virgin Mary’s Apparitions
Over the past two centuries the Blessed Mother appeared numerous times. Each time she demonstrated great concern about all of her children around the world, regardless of their religion and culture. She wants of all her children basically one thing and this is their eternal salvation. She wants all of them to spend their eternity in heaven with God and with her as well as with all the angels and saints. The joy in heaven is so great that the millions of years pass like split seconds. Ascetical writers tell us that in heaven there is no past and no future. There is what is termed to be the nunc fluens – the flying now.
Some theologians tell us that if we ask those in heaven the same question they will all give us the same answer. The question will be: “When did you come here?” To which each will answer saying: “Just now, a split second ago.” This would be the answer that a close friend of ours would give who just passed away and the answer that Abraham would give who passed away a few thousands of years ago. Over the years, devotion to the Blessed Mother has been very strong as seen in the many paintings made of her and churches built in her honor.
One of the prayers to the Virgin Mary that has been very widely diffused is known as the Memorare, which runs as follows: “Remember of most gracious Virgin that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection and sought for help was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence I come to you, O Virgin of Virgins, before you I stand sinful and sorrowful, despise not my petitions but in your clemency hear and grant them. Amen.”
This prayer has proven to be so powerful that many petitions were claimed to be secured as a result. After all, the Virgin Mary was selected from all eternity by God to bring the promised Messiah of the Old Testament to this world whose purpose was to bring us redemption and salvation. The moment this noble, young and courageous woman accepted to become the mother of the Messiah, she also become the Mother of our salvation and the source of our courage to do what needs to be done fearlessly and without any hesitation.
___________________________
Charles Mercieca, Ph.D.
President, International Association of Educators for World Peace NGO, Dedicated to United Nations Goals of Peace Education, Environmental Protection, Human Rights & Disarmament.
Professor Emeritus, Alabama A&M University.
This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 14 Jan 2010.
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