Blessed

By: Ivonne J. Hernandez

The other day, I came across a social media post where a Catholic woman said she was "bothered by the casting choice for the role of Mary" in the series The Chosen. She wrote, “I always imagined Mary as being softer, if that makes sense.” The comments ranged from complete agreement to complete disagreement. One commenter said, “I feel the same. She is just a bit too bubbly. Mary is gentle and, I believe, somber.” Another person responded, “But she is also Mother Most Amiable and Cause of our Joy!”

“Behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48)
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As all ages and generations call Mary blessed, it makes sense that there will be many interpretations of what she might look like and be like. I am sure each one of us has an image of Mary in our minds and hearts--one that comes up when we say, “Hail Mary, full of grace…”

Just as the Risen Lord seemed to take on different appearances in the Resurrection stories, so it has been with Our Mother when she has appeared to us on earth. Fair-skinned one day, brown-skinned the next, full of joy and full of sorrow--your mother, my mother… a mirror of grace. She brings what our hearts need on this particular day. 

“Mary, my mother, is powerful, she is also the Mother of God, of Jesus my Creator, my Savior, and my Judge; she has all power over his heart.” (St. Peter Julian Eymard)
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No, St. Peter didn’t comment on a social media post, but he might as well have. I can imagine him zealously setting the record straight about his mom. Yet, I don’t think the women who posted online were wrong. She is also their mom. She is everything to each one of us. Sometimes we need a cuddle; sometimes we need a scold, and we can rest assured, Our Mother knows. Saint Peter Julian’s observation is, of course, theologically sound. Where does he say Mary’s power comes from? It comes from the love of her Son.

So, let us remember we have recourse to a powerful Queen and Mother, full of grace--grace for us.

Oh, Blessed-Ever Virgin Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of death. Amen.
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Ivonne J. Hernandez

Ivonne is a Catholic wife, mother, Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament, and President of Elisheba House. She is also a speaker and writer, with her book The Rosary: Eucharistic Meditations to her name. Ivonne regularly contributes to CatholicMom.com and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament's Daily Eucharistic Reflection. Her writing has also appeared in publications such as Emmanuel Publishing and Shalom Magazine. Alongside her husband, Rick Hernandez, she coordinates the RCIA program at their home parish. A lover of choral music, Ivonne is a member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. She and her husband live in Trinity, FL, with two of their young adult sons.