Who is This?

By: Ivonne J. Hernandez

Even in her cradle, Mary was the delight of the Holy Trinity, the admiration of the angels. “Who is this privileged creature” they ask, “who, at the first dawn of life, is so rich in virtue and adorned with such glory?” And the demons trembled. They beheld her advancing against them strong as an army in battle array. They felt the humiliation of their chief s defeat, and they already foresaw the terrible war that this child of a day would wage against them.[1] – St. Peter Julian Eymard
 
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Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we ponder on how God delighted in His most wonderful creation: the one who would become the Mother of His Son. We imagine Our Lady, as a babe, her beauty and splendor pointing us to the forthcoming birth of our Savior. St. Peter Julian echoes the words from the Song of Songs as he invites us to open our eyes and see the spiritual reality in front of us. We see the angels marveling at this most beautiful creature, while the demons tremble in fear. “Who is this that comes forth like the dawn, beautiful as the white moon, pure as the blazing sun, fearsome as celestial visions?” (Song 6:10)

This reality present at Mary’s birth is the same one present at our Baptism. Through the waters of Baptism, we become a new creation, heirs of the Kingdom of God. On the day of our Baptism the angels marveled and rejoiced, and the demons trembled in fear. “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” (Eph 2:10) The enemy of our souls will be relentless in trying to blind us to this truth, but we shall not fear, for nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Rom 8:39)

Saint Theresa of Calcutta said that “when you know how much God is in love with you then you can only live your life radiating that love.” Let us ponder on the beauty of our soul. Let us open our eyes and see the reality before us; see how God delights in us. Once we are rooted in His love, we may then go forth and fulfill the good works He has prepared in advance.  As we live our lives radiating His love, we join Mary’s “army in battle array.” We become the marvel of angels and the terror of demons, and we hear the echo resounding through the ages… “Who is this?”
 


[1] http://archive.org/stream/monthofourladyof00eymauoft#page/48/mode/2up