Mary and the First Advent

Mary and the First Advent: Humanity’s Waiting

In Mary, the hope of peoples from the beginning of humanity to the entire journey of peoples, especially the people of Israel, culminates. All preparations, prefigurations, and graces that filled the Old Testament converge in Mary. It can be said, with full right, that on the eve of Christ’s coming, Mary takes upon herself and fulfills the expectation of all the centuries that preceded her. Therefore, she can magnify the name of the Lord and recognize that through her and in her the Lord accomplished salvation.

Mary’s Role in the History of Salvation

The incarnation of the Son of God, through Mary, is the decisive and absolutely unique event in world history. This event qualitatively changes the human condition, making possible man’s participation in divine life. Saint John expressed this ineffable mystery in a concise verse: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1,14).Maria is the first to benefit from this grace, just as each one of us can partake in this gift through her. Her presence in worship does not stem from an analogy to the practices of other religions but rather from the historical fact that she is the Mother of the Only-Begotten Son of God made man.

The current motherhood of Mary

Mary continues to have a prominent mission in the Church and in each baptized person. She is the Mother of the Church and of every man who is born of water and the Spirit in Baptism, guiding them on the spiritual path. This motherhood of Mary is an eternal gift, as expressed in the collect prayer of December 21:“Hear, Lord, the prayer of your people, who rejoice in the coming of your Son in the humility of our flesh, and grant us the gift of eternal life when He comes in His glory. He who is God and with you lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit for all ages of ages.”For a deeper understanding, consult the Encyclical “Redemptoris Mater” by John Paul II, which explores the role of Mary in the pilgrimage of faith.