Book Description

The Church sees Mary as the "earthside of the Incarnation." In an attempt to understand the critical role she played in this great event, this book looks at her life as a young girl who said "yes" to an angel and brought God into the world. It begins with a discussion of her obedience as the pivotal point in our salvation. It continues with an examination of five aspects of her maternity - giving birth, nurturing, relinquishing, sorrow and joy. Our own lives parallel these stages in our conversion (giving birth), spiritual growth (nurturing), surrender to God (relinquishing), bearing our cross (sorrow) and the new life through the Resurrection (joy). Thus Mary can become our guide as we make our journey toward Christ. Further, by a focus on the humanity of Mary, we not only come closer to the mystery of the Incarnation but begin to grasp how the Church declared May to be the "Mother of God. This reverence receives strong emphasis in Orthodox Christianity. Questions for study and reflection follow the end of each chapter. Though relevant throughout the year, this book is especially timely for Advent reading. Also, it would be especially appropriate for an individual or group retreat.