Mary: ‘Quintessential disciple’

In giving her life to ushering people into a relationship with her son Jesus, Mary is the portrait of discipleship and motherhood, according to Father Mark Beard, pastor of St. Helena Church in Amite.

“Mary is the quintessential disciple,” said Father Beard. “She is the Theotokos, the God bearer; she has infused knowledge of Christ.”

From a young child, Mary followed Jewish laws and customs and was aware of her people’s history and their longing for the coming of the Messiah. This enabled her to understand the significance of the angel Gabriel’s announcement that she would conceive a child through the Holy Spirit and name him Jesus, Father Beard said.  

Through her perfect obedience of God’s will, Mary was the chosen vessel through which her son, the Word of God Incarnate, would save the world from sin, Father Beard said. 

She would also be known as the New Tabernacle. Unlike the tabernacle of the Old Testament, which contained the Ten Commandments, manna from heaven and the staff of Aaron, Mary contained the word made flesh, the bread of life, the high priest himself.

“She is the new Eve,” said Father Beard. “This is why (Jesus) refers to her twice as ‘woman,’ once at the wedding feast of Cana and at the crucifixion.”

Because of her special union with Christ, Mary was sinless and there was no encumbrance between her and her son, according to Father Beard.

And it would have been to Mary to whom the apostles would go when they needed a better understanding or insight into what Jesus meant in his teachings or where he may be going, said Father Beard.  

He noted how a trip to Medjugorje to “check out” if the visitations of Mary were true brought him into the arms of the Blessed Mother. She then brought him to encounter Jesus, who called him into the unique discipleship role as a priest. 

Father Beard said if he had lived at the time of the apostles, he would have listened to Jesus speak and approach the Apostles but “at the end of the day” he would watch and visit with the Blessed Mother to understand her son.

“Moms know their sons,” said Father Beard.

Mary is a model of how faith and discipleship are found in the family and community, pointed out Father Beard.

Mary helped Father Beard in his relationship with his own mother, who has passed on the faith, including praying the rosary and attending May crownings. Father Beard’s own mother is 90 years old and currently lives with him. He said it is a blessing he can “come home” and put his guard down with his mother and there’s no one better to ask to pray for various intentions.

 So much greater is the intercession of the Blessed Mother, according to Father Beard.

Mary also accepted the sufferings that come from discipleship. He pointed out that one of the gifts the Magi gave Christ when paying him homage after his birth was myrrh, an anointment used before burial, which indicated that Christ would die upon the cross. At Christ’s presentation in the temple, Simeon said to Mary, “and you yourself a sword will pierce,” indicating her own journey with Jesus would involve much pain.

Yet, the Blessed Mother continued to “march forward” alongside Jesus and was with him to his death.

“She felt every blow, every worry,” said Father Beard. 

And the Blessed Mother continues to teach and lead others through prayer, most notably the rosary, which is ultimately centered around the events and mysteries surrounding Christs’ life.

“There’s a rhythm, there’s a sense of peace, just quietness for me and it seems to settle waters,” said Father Beard.

Like a true disciple and mother, Mary wanted to make sure that “everyday” concerns were taken care of (such as when she told Jesus, “they have no wine” at the wedding of Cana), how to conduct oneself in public and being humble.

“Every time I pray the humility prayer, I think of her,” Father Beard said.

He emphasized the Holy Family lived simple lives, because St. Joseph was a carpenter and would have had to “keep moving” to make ends meet. Yet, Mary never wanted for anything.

Father Beard noted how Mary’s discipleship teaches there will be sacrifices in life but the greater good will be done by staying the course.

“Mary does have to pay a price and that price was being around (a crowd) of people for three days, watching the crucifixion and knowing that Jesus has to endure all this for us.” 

He added, “There was always a sacrifice to go with the grace and I think Mary is the consummate mom and disciple and she is unconditional love.”