The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Pablito Tagura SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord – March 25
Introduction
Protestants readily acknowledge Mary as the Mother of Jesus, though many hesitate to give her additional titles or veneration, fearing “Mariolatry.” Yet in recent years, more Protestant scholars have taken a second look at Mary in Scripture. Beverly Gaventa of Princeton Theological Seminary notes that no other figure compares to her: she is present at Jesus’ birth, at His death, and in the upper room at Pentecost.
Mary as the First Disciple
One title that resonates across traditions is Mary as the first disciple. Her “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38) was the earliest act of faith in Jesus as Messiah. If she had not believed, she would not have conceived. Mary embodies discipleship: hearing the Word, doing the Word, and allowing it to shape her life.
She literally bore the promise of salvation — conceiving, carrying, and giving birth to the Son of God. Even when she did not fully understand, her faith moved her to act. Faith bears fruit in action; hope participates in God’s promise by doing, not just watching.
Mary and the Spirit
Mary was present in the upper room at Pentecost, but she had already been overshadowed by the Spirit at the Annunciation. The Son of God took flesh in her womb by the Spirit’s power. Her life reminds us that faith is not merely ideas or propositions, but a response to love expressed in a human life. Mary points us to God’s mercy, compassion, and nearness.
Mary’s Mission and Ours
Mother Teresa once told priests in Rome: “Give us Jesus, only Jesus, always Jesus.” Mary did exactly that — she gave Jesus to the world in flesh and blood. Our mission is the same: to bring Jesus to others through compassion, mercy, and love.
A Christian who loves deeply as Jesus loved is truly the fruit of the Spirit. Just as Jesus was the fruit of the Spirit in Mary’s womb, we pray that the Spirit may bear fruit in us, so that our communities may be filled with love and mercy.
Conclusion
Mary is not divine, but she is the perfect disciple — the one who heard the Word and kept it. She reminds us that faith is lived, not argued. May we, like her, bring Jesus to the world through our lives of love and service.
“Holy Spirit, overshadow me as You did Mary. Help me to bear Christ in my life, so that others may encounter His mercy and love through me.”
