Catholics refer to
the Blessed Virgin as Holy Mary, Mother of God. Since we are all
called to be holy, the first part of this expression is rarely
challenged. However, those who reason that in order for Mary to be
the mother of God she would have to be God often question the second
part. What this shows is a total misunderstanding of the intent for
which this title was bestowed. A look at both the practical and
historical use of it can offer some explanation.
Practically
speaking, every one of us is a composite being of body and soul. The
women that conceived and bore us gave life to our physical being.
God alone created our soul. Yet these women are still regarded as
the source of our entire being and we rightfully call them
our mothers. Similarly, the Blessed Virgin conceived and bore Jesus,
giving Him physical being and human nature. Although He possesses
divine nature as well, Mary is still His mother. Since Jesus is one
in being with the Father, it is entirely proper to refer to Mary as
the mother of God. In Luke 1:43, we are told that Elizabeth called
Mary “the mother of my Lord” while under the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit. When we call Mary the mother of God, we follow this
example.
Historically
speaking, the title “Mother of God” (in Greek “Theotokos”)
was bestowed on Mary at the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. to
emphasize both the human and divine natures of Jesus in one person.
In referencing this Council, the Catechism (par. 495) indicates, “
. . . the one whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly
became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the
Father’s eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity.”
Thus each time we pray the Hail Mary we acknowledge the two natures
of Jesus in one person along with Mary’s special role in making
this happen.
Learning and
understanding the reasons for our beliefs confirms our confidence
that the Catholic Church possesses and continues to faithfully teach
the fullness of the inspired truth of God’s Word. Don’t settle
for anything less.
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