Mary, our model

 

As young Catholics, we often seek role models to guide our faith journey. While many saints and holy figures inspire us, none compare to the Blessed Virgin Mary when it comes to imitating Jesus. This blog post explores why Mary is our greatest example and how we can follow her lead in our daily lives.

Unwavering Faith and Trust in God

In the Gospel of Luke, we read about Mary's fiat to God:

"And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'" (Luke 1:38)

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." (Luke 1:45)

These verses powerfully illustrate Mary's unwavering faith and her complete willingness to accept God's plan. They showcase her extraordinary trust in divine providence, even when faced with challenging and potentially life-altering circumstances. Mary's response demonstrates not only her deep spiritual conviction but also her remarkable courage in embracing an uncertain future from a human perspective, yet one divinely ordained.

Mary's "yes" to God's plan at the Annunciation demonstrates her profound faith and trust. We can learn from her example:

• Embracing God's will in challenging situations:- Accepting a difficult assessment or project as an opportunity for growth
• Volunteering for a cause you believe in, even if it means sacrificing some free time (that would otherwise probably be spent scrolling, let's face it.)
• Choosing to forgive a friend who has hurt you, trusting that it's the right thing to do
• Trusting in God's plan during uncertain times:- Remaining hopeful when facing UCAS application results or job interviews
• Keeping faith during health challenges or when a loved one is ill
• Cultivating a strong prayer life:- Setting aside time each day for prayer, even if it means waking up a bit earlier. 10 minutes a day is a great place to start!
• Create a prayer corner in your room with meaningful items: a bible, some rosary beads, maybe a crucifix or candle.
• Using faith-based apps for daily reflections or joining online prayer groups. Hallow and Universalis are my go-tos!
• Participating in youth group activities or retreats to deepen your spiritual connection.

These examples show how we can apply Mary's faith and trust in our daily lives as young people, adapting her timeless example to modern situations.

Humility and Selflessness

Mary's humility shines throughout her life, from her humble "yes" to God's plan to her unwavering presence at the foot of the cross. For young people today, living in a world that often celebrates self-promotion and instant gratification, Mary's example of humility is more relevant than ever. We can imitate her by:

• Putting others' needs before our own, such as helping a friend study or listening to a sibling's problems
• Serving our communities without seeking recognition, like volunteering at a local food bank or participating in beach clean-ups
• Accepting both joys and sorrows with grace, whether dealing with academic successes or failures or navigating relationship ups and downs
• Practicing digital humility by being mindful of our online presence and avoiding constant comparison on social media
• Acknowledging our mistakes and learning from them, rather than making excuses or blaming others

In today's fast-paced, achievement-oriented world, Mary's humility reminds us that true greatness comes from serving others and living authentically. By embracing her example, young Catholics can find genuine fulfilment and a deeper connection with God, even amidst modern life's challenges.

Unconditional Love and Compassion

Mary's love for Jesus and all humanity reflects God's unconditional love. In today's world, where young people all too often struggle with isolation, judgment, and pressure to conform, Mary's example of unconditional love is more relevant than ever. As young Catholics, we can follow her example by:

• Showing compassion to those in need, regardless of their background, social status, or online following
• Forgiving others, even in difficult situations like cyberbullying or social media conflicts
• Extending kindness to friends, family, and strangers alike, both in person and online
• Practising self-acceptance, countering the negative effects of social media comparison
• Supporting mental health initiatives and being there for struggling friends

Steadfast Devotion and Perseverance

Mary remained devoted to Jesus throughout His life, death, and resurrection. Her unwavering commitment serves as a powerful example for young people navigating modern life's complexities. We can learn from her perseverance:

• Staying committed to our faith, even when facing challenges, doubt, or peer pressure
• Supporting loved ones through struggles, whether academic stress, relationship issues, or mental health challenges
• Maintaining hope and trust in God's plan, even during difficult times like global crises, personal setbacks, or career uncertainties
• Balancing faith commitments with academic, extracurricular, and social responsibilities
• Using social media and technology to strengthen our faith, rather than detract from it

Living a Life of Virtue in a Digital Age

Mary's life exemplifies the virtues Jesus taught, providing a timeless model that young Catholics can adapt to 21st-century challenges. We can strive to embody these virtues by:

• Practising patience, kindness, and self-control in daily interactions, both online and offline
• Cultivating generosity and gratitude, countering materialism and instant gratification
• Seeking wisdom through prayer, Scripture study, and engaging with faith-based content on digital platforms
• Promoting social justice and environmental stewardship through responsible activism and lifestyle choices
• Developing digital literacy and critical thinking skills to navigate online information with integrity

Put simply, Mary serves as the ultimate model for young Catholics seeking to imitate Jesus in today's complex world. By following her example of faith, humility, love, perseverance, and virtue, we can draw closer to Christ and live out our faith more fully in our physical and digital lives. Mary's timeless wisdom guides us in maintaining spiritual integrity while engaging with modern technology and social media. Let us look to Mary as our guide and intercessor as we strive to become more like Jesus, facing our generation's unique challenges and opportunities with grace, courage, and unwavering faith.

God bless,

Mel