You Were Made to Carry Christ -The Feast of St. Mary

Happy Feast of the Assumption of our Holy Lady St. Mary, the Theotokos! Why does the Church honor St. Mary so deeply? Her life reveals not only what God accomplished through her, but what humanity was always created to become. Where Eve fell through disobedience, St. Mary responded with obedience, humility, purity, and complete surrender to God. She became the dwelling place of the Logos, carrying Christ within her and offering Him to the world. But this calling does not end with St. Mary. Through Baptism, Chrismation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, every Christian becomes a temple of God. We are called to become Christophoros, a “Christ-bearer,” carrying Christ into every relationship and every place we enter. The question is: Can people tell that we carry Christ? Do they see Him in our love? Our forgiveness? Our words? Our compassion? Our willingness to reconcile and lift up those who are struggling? St. Mary also reminds us that we have a mother and intercessor who cares deeply for her children. As she noticed the need of the couple at the wedding of Cana, she continues to bring the needs of her children before her Son. On her feast, may we not only honor St. Mary, but imitate her: becoming humble temples in whom Christ can dwell, and carrying Him to everyone we encounter. “Whatever He says to you, do it.” — John 2:5