We need Mary, now more than ever, in our lives

By Dr. Heather Bozant Witcher, Clarion Herald 

Each May, we celebrate our devotion to Mary. As the mother of God and the queen of heaven, along with a host of other titles, it seems that now, more than ever, we need the help of Mary’s grace and humility in a time of much-needed perseverance.

We live in divisive times. As young adults, the world around us seems to be much more polarized. Or, maybe, we’re just now recognizing the signs of political and social discontent that generations before us have known and experienced.

Lately, it seems there are no issues upon which people can agree.

From the arguments surrounding life to debates around vaccinations, and circulations of misunderstood media coverage, it often seems like we’re losing a sense of common ground. Is there nothing upon which we can agree?

It’s a scary thought. As I imagine my children growing up, I find it difficult to picture them navigating such a world of polarities. I’m concerned about the values that my family will learn to uphold, and the discord that my children will face as they enter into a society that seemingly lacks similar values.

As an educator, I intend on fully demonstrating the power of knowledge, of looking at an issue from all perspectives, to make an informed decision that aligns with one’s morals.

But is this the same practice that my sons will see embodied by individuals outside of our home?

I’m not the first mother to have these concerns. It’s easy to have the desire to protect our children from the tempestuousness of the world. It’s natural to want to keep them safe. But it’s also unrealistic to expect that they’ll grow up without recognizing the discord at work in the larger world.

As I was packing, I came across a Marian devotional book that my brother gifted to me about the importance of prayer in the home.

Flipping through, I was recalled to the month – May, the month of Mary. It seemed fitting to happen upon the book right in the midst of my future parenting concerns.

As we celebrate our devotion to Mary, we recall her important place in the role of our salvation.

To redeem the world, Jesus was born of a woman. But not just any woman: the Virgin Mary, who freely accepted God’s will in her life with grace and humility.

Sharing in the life, suffering and death of Jesus, Mary takes on an intercessory role. Acting as mediator, she intercedes to her son for our redemption.

How fitting it is, then, for us to battle over the laws surrounding the life and death of the unborn in this month of May. How fitting it is for us to turn to Mary as we ascertain the best means of going forward in this divisive world. And how necessary is our devotion to the mother of God as we pray for our own redemption.

Dr. Heather Bozant Witcher can be reached at [email protected].