Sean Major-Campbell | Mary Theotokos, a mother for everyone

In this Child’s Month, Mary the mother of Jesus the Christ, presents a wonderful image of mother that is both biological and adoptive. In giving, she receives. In living, she loves.

At the cross, Jesus gave John as a son to Mary; and Mary as a mother to John. Mary Theotokos or Mary, Mother of God, has also been referred to as mother of our salvation. None of these terms are harmful. Mary always points to Jesus. She even told others to listen to him.

In a matrifocal society such as ours, Mary presents an easy image of love and care. However, Joseph is not to be forgotten. He played an integral role in the life of his son, Jesus. The family was special to Mary and Joseph. You may recall that they also spent time as refugees in Egypt. The best place for children is with a caring and loving family.

Mary was also a prophet who spoke truth to power. Every time Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat, is said or sung, truth is spoken to power! Traditional art forms present a demure Mary. However, her words betray a political agenda for freedom and empowerment. In Luke 1:51-52, Mary says, “ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.”

If ever the world needs this timeless reminder, it is now.

Mary also inspires hope where she notes, “G od has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” (Luke 1:53)

While I reference Blessed Mother Mary, I think of the children in Gaza, facing death because of starvation. Even greater numbers of death by genocide and starvation are taking place in Sudan; but this is not mainline news currently.

As siege and genocide prevail, is there a place for mercy? Is there a potent reminder from Mary in Luke 1:54? “ He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful.” Who remembers the unfaithful servant who failed to show mercy? And will Israel remember to be merciful to the children of Gaza? Understandably, many Christians and Jewish theists will remain silent since to express these concerns is to become vulnerable to being labelled, “antisemitic”.

BLESSINGS ON POPE LEO XIV:

It is fitting that we recall Pope Leo XIV, who in his greeting to the world said, “Today, the day in which we pray to the Madonna of Pompeii, our mother Mary always wants to stay close to us and help us with her love and her intercession. Let us pray together, this new mission, for the whole church, and for peace throughout the world. And let’s ask for this special grace for Mary, our mother.”

HUMAN DIGNITY

Where Marian devotion is strong, hope in Jesus is restored. Interestingly, Madonna of Pompeii was named in a community where the Church had long seen many of the faithful departing from the faith. It eventually experienced rebirth. It was most fitting that on May 8, the feast day of the Blessed Mother, that the new Pope invoked her grace.

The world needs leaders who advance the cause of human dignity at a time when mercy and peace are under threat from the mighty and powerful. The increasing threat of wars abound; and as the Kenyan proverb notes, “When elephants fight, the grass suffers.” Let us pray for small nation states and children who are suffering in these times.

CELEBRATING MOTHERS AND CHILDREN

While you did not hear from me in this space last Sunday, it is not too late to note that every Child’s Month, there is a gruesome attack and murder of a child or children. We do well to take steps to address the epidemic of bullying and misogyny in Jamaica. These concerns are not to be limited to events such as child’s month or Human Rights Day. They are everyday concerns.

One of the best things we can do right now is to move towards providing a safe church for everyone. The Anglican Communion Safe Church Commission facilitates guidelines on how to implement safe church policies and practices. Churches and organisations across Jamaica would do well to seriously engage the process of preventing harm and abuse, responding effectively when abuse is reported, and learning how to deal with allegations of abuse. The matter of child safeguarding is particularly important in what should be a way of life for the church.

On this fifth Sunday of Easter, let us pray for our children: “ Father (Mother), we bring our children to you for your blessing. Help us to be sensitive to their needs. Give us wisdom in our care of them. That they may grow up rooted in love, steadfast in faith, strong and courageous in life. Guide us and all who have the care of children. May we never hinder but help and encourage them towards independence and maturity. And to a living faith in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” ( Book of Common Prayer)

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com