We'er not alone ...

"God loves each of us as if there were only one of us." — Saint Augustine

God places a great deal of worth on the human soul. He gave His Son for each of us as if there was only one of us. His family is a family of equals. We are not just heirs with Christ, we are also joint-heirs (Romans 8:17). Think of that! Even the only begotten son of God will share the riches of the Kingdom's with us. "Ear has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for us (1 Corinthians 2:9)." Heaven is prepared with us in mind. What a wonderful thought. 

However, a thought is not enough. Such thoughts must be based on reality, so we must have a sense of belonging. Our hearts must cry, "Aba Father!"

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15)

"And because [we] are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:6) 

To put it simply, Heaven has been prepared for those that love Him. And, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.” Thus, we are a community, a community of brothers and sisters. Yes, a loving family with each member functioning as with any family (Matthew 12:48-50), as when Jesus from the Cross said to John, concerning His mother,

“Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home (John 19:27)."

From this, we may deduct as a matter of fact that Christ was not speaking biologically, but rather spiritually, as is the case with each of us in spiritual relationship with one another. Thus, we have filial responsibilities, born and borne in love. Such love, therefore, does not end in the heart but is shown in an ongoing community of love. An eternal family, to put it precisely.

Is it not then reasonable that because of Christ, Mary, His biological mother has a very special place in the spiritual sense during this Advent and Christmas? Indeed, she is blessed, and because of this we, too, are blessed. No, God forbid, we must not worship her. That would be blasphemy. Nor do we pray to her as if she is or has been or ever will be Divine. She is a mother just like any mother, but beyond that she is especially blessed. What an honor to bear the very Son of God, God Himself. And, every mother does well to emulate her in as much as it is possible.

And, when Heaven's gates swing open and we have all gathered around as a family with our elder brother, I leave it to your imagination as to who the matriarch will be in that celestial city. That can never be taken from her, nor should it be. She is blessed beyond all mothers, and we, indeed, are blessed because of her blessedness. Again, I say, not to worship, but to admire for the strength of her faith and in her willing obedience to the Father of us all.

JimR_/