The Greatest Boast of our Race

This Advent we focus on three figures, three saints who help us prepare for the Birth of Jesus.  They are: John the Baptist, St. Paul, and the Virgin Mary.  John the Baptist teaches the seriousness of life. We are here to make a choice and that choice determines where we will spend eternity – in heaven or, separated from God, in hell.  The very seriousness of life helps us to not take seriously the disappointments and difficulties that make up much of everyday life.  In that regard, St. Paul shows the way.  He says, “Rejoice always”.  St. Paul suffered plenty – physically, emotionally and spiritually.  You can see that clearly when you read his letters.  But at the same time a beautiful joy shines through.

We see the most profound joy in our third Advent figure – the Blessed Virgin Mary.  A person might ask:  Why is Mary so important?  Why do we honor her?  Because when Christ was born, every creature offered a sign of gratitude: the angels, a hymn; the heavens, a star; the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, admiration; the earth, a cave. But, what about the human race? What do we have to offer God?

What we have to offer is the Virgin Mary herself.  She is the greatest boast of the human race.  She shows what humanity is capable of.  For sure, you and I suffer from an inner division called original sin – and we have many personal failings.  But when we look at the Virgin Mother, we recognize the true capacity of our human nature.  In Mary we see purity of heart.