Our Mother, Men & Self control

An anonymous Laity

In our faith, the figure of Mary, the Mother of God, holds a unique and tender place. To some, particularly men, Mary may seem like an elusive figure when compared to the more prominently discussed Fathers of the Church. Yet, in her quiet strength and divine obedience, Mary embodies the gentleness of Christ in a way that is both inspiring and instructive.

Mary, chosen for her unparalleled virtue, stands as a beacon of perfect submission to God’s will, a trait she shares only with the angels. Her role transcends mere biology; Mary is a mother to all of us, for in her, we see the embodiment of divine love and care. As God’s children, we are invited to see in Mary not just a historical figure but a living presence guiding us toward compassion, peace, and patience.

The Holy Scriptures offer us glimpses into Mary’s heart and her unwavering faith. In Luke 1:38, Mary responds to the angel Gabriel with a statement of profound faith and obedience: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” This moment encapsulates her total surrender to God’s plan, setting a precedent for Christian discipleship.

Furthermore, John 19:26-27 shows us Jesus’ concern for Mary even in His final moments, entrusting her to His disciple John: “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’” Through this act, Jesus not only provides for His mother but also symbolically establishes her as the mother of all believers.

The Canon Law of the Catholic Church also acknowledges the special role of the Virgin Mary in Canon 1172, which deals with the granting of permissions to bless and confer sacramentals. It highlights the Church’s recognition of Mary’s intercessory role and her unique position in the celestial hierarchy, underscoring her importance in the life and practices of the Church.

In striving for a life without sin, we often find ourselves battling our human nature, caught in a web of imperfect decisions and lacking self-control. Yet, Mary’s example offers us a beacon of hope and a model of purity and obedience to emulate. Her life, free from sin, is not merely an ideal but a testament to the grace that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.

Let us, therefore, turn to Mary with confidence and love, seeking her intercession and aspiring to imitate her virtues in our daily lives. In doing so, we not only honor her but also draw closer to the essence of Christ’s teachings, embracing a life of compassion, peace, and patience that mirrors the Blessed Virgin’s own.

The journey of faith, while universal in its call, resonates differently with each of us, influenced by our experiences, struggles, and even our gender. For many men, the figure of Mary, in her immaculate perfection, presents a profound challenge. It is not merely her purity that seems distant but the very essence of her being—marked by complete obedience and self-control—that feels at odds with the typical male experience.

The struggle for men to identify with Mary may stem from the stark contrast between her sinless nature and the more rebellious, assertive tendencies often associated with masculinity. Men, by virtue of their inherent nature and societal expectations, may find the concept of perfect self-control and absence of sin to be not just daunting but alien. This divergence is not a matter of faith alone but of confronting deeply ingrained aspects of human behavior and gender norms.

Scripture offers us a mirror to our own imperfections and the grace that can transform them. In Romans 7:19, Paul articulates a struggle that many can relate to: “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” This verse speaks to the human condition of battling against our sinful impulses, a battle that men might feel is lost before it has even begun when looking to Mary’s example.

Yet, it is precisely in recognizing our weaknesses that we can fully appreciate the significance of Mary’s example. Her life is not a reproach but a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of God’s grace to bring about perfection in humanity. The challenge is not to become disheartened by our inability to mirror Mary’s sinlessness but to draw inspiration from her unwavering faith and submission to God’s will.

Furthermore, the disparity in religious observance between men and women, as noted in the differing attentiveness and adherence to rules within the context of Mass, might reflect broader societal patterns rather than an intrinsic spiritual inclination. This observation invites us to consider how cultural expectations and upbringing influence our engagement with faith and spirituality.

In addressing these differences, it is crucial for the Church and its community to foster an environment where men feel empowered to explore their faith and spirituality beyond traditional gender norms. Encouraging men to seek a relationship with Mary not as a figure of unattainable perfection but as a mother and guide can pave the way for a deeper understanding of her role in salvation history and her relevance in our personal spiritual journeys.

In embracing Mary’s example, men are not asked to deny their nature but to refine it through grace, striving for a holiness that transcends human weakness. Mary’s life teaches us that perfection in God’s eyes is not about the absence of struggle but the presence of complete trust and surrender to His will.

Self-control stands as a pivotal virtue in the Christian life, a bulwark against the temptations and trials that seek to lead us astray from God’s path. The struggle with self-control is notably pronounced among men, as societal norms and inherent tendencies often push towards impulsivity over restraint. Yet, the spiritual journey calls for a mastery over oneself that goes beyond mere societal expectations; it is a foundational element in our relationship with God and our defense against spiritual adversaries.

Father Chad Ripperger, a respected figure in the realm of spiritual deliverance, underscores the importance of self-control not just as a moral virtue but as a critical step in combating demonic influences. Before considering the profound measures of exorcism, the Church advises individuals to cultivate self-control. This practice serves as a testament to one’s dominion over self, a declaration of independence from the snares of the devil who preys on human weakness and disobedience.

The call to self-control is a call to freedom. In the spiritual context, self-control is not merely about resisting temptation but about affirming our allegiance to God and His commandments. It is a proactive stance against the devil’s attempts to make us “slaves to the world” rather than “servants to God.” The devil, as the father of lies and division, finds fertile ground in our unchecked impulses and desires. By mastering self-control, we close the door to his influences, aligning ourselves more closely with God’s will.

Practicing the Rosary is highlighted as a potent means of cultivating self-control. This prayer, with its meditative repetition and focus on the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary, serves as a spiritual exercise in patience, perseverance, and faith. It transcends being a mere recitation; it is an act of devotion that engages the mind, heart, and soul, allowing us to enter into a deeper communion with God and His Blessed Mother. The Rosary, in its length and depth, challenges us to slow down, to meditate, and to reaffirm our faith systematically, embodying the very essence of self-control in prayer.

The challenge laid out to all men to practice self-control through the Rosary is not just about personal sanctity but about strengthening the Church and the world at large. It is an invitation to embody the virtues that Mary represents — obedience, humility, and unwavering faith. By dedicating ourselves to this practice, we not only fortify our spiritual defenses but also contribute to a culture of virtue and holiness.

Self-control, therefore, emerges not as a burden but as a liberating force, enabling us to live more fully in God’s grace and to reject the chains of sin and vice. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit, guided by divine grace, to overcome the challenges that confront us. In this endeavor, we are not alone; we are accompanied by the saints, by the Church, and most profoundly, by Mary, the model of perfect discipleship.