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 HERE
ARE TWO PRIMARY WAYS that women live out their
vocations in the light of divine revelation. One way is
through motherhood and the other is through virginity. Our
Blessed Virgin and Mother Mary is the greatest model for
both these roles. Her union with God as well as her sincere
gift of self are the two most important aspects of a woman's
vocation. Pope John Paul II tells us "The dignity of every
human being and the vocation corresponding to that dignity
find their definitive measure in the union of God."[1]
 Mary's
"yes" to Gabriel the Archangel begins her vocation as the
Mother of God, fully united to God's will. She says,
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
Let it be done to me as you say.[2]
Similarly, when women embrace their vocations
and surrender to God's will, we enter into a clear union
with God. One of Mother Theresa's novices asked her what her
vocation was. Mother Theresa said that to belong to Jesus is
her vocation. Pope John Paul confirms Mother Theresa's
simple answer: "The dignity and the vocation of women -- as
well as those of men -- find their eternal source in the
heart of God."[3]
Think
of belonging to Jesus and finding the eternal source of your
call in his heart. Everything else seems small in
comparison. No longer do I have to worry about how well I am
doing, or if I have worked hard enough, or if I have taken
care of everyone as I should. I can trust that God who is in
me, and I in him, will accomplish his work. Left to my own
abilities, I am doomed. Being united to God who is my
strength reassures me that Jesus will save me and all my
loved ones. He will lead, encourage, correct, and give me
his wisdom when necessary. In him I am supremely safe.
The
other attribute needed in the vocation of women, is Mary's
sincere gift of self exemplified by Mary. The angel assured
Mary that God was pleased with her and she would conceive
and give birth to Jesus. Then she asked a very significant
question. Just how could this be possible, since she was not
with a man? The angel said that by the power of the Holy
Spirit she would conceive Jesus. She perceptively discerned
God's will and sacrificed her life to carry the Son of God
in her womb. Her future was totally united to God's care and
will.
Mary
made the most important decision of all time. Because of her
sincere gift of self, the Saviour of the world was born.
Thanks be to God! Mary shows us how to give ourselves
sincerely for the sake of the kingdom, in order to find our
fulfilment in Christ. In Dignity and Vocation of Women we
read: "The human being -- both male and female -- is the
only being which God willed for his own sake. The human
being is a person, a subject who decides for
himself."[4]
The
Holy Father goes on to say that the person can only fully
find himself through a sincere gift of self.
No
matter what a woman's age, God always has a powerful work
for her. Charles Colson, in his book Kingdoms In Conflict,
tells of a 93 year old woman who was confined to her bed in
a nursing home. She began dictating anointed letters that
were mailed to prisoners. When the prisoners read her
letters, they experienced conversions. Colson was amazed
when he discovered the condition and age of this woman. As
he met with her, he related that he received more from her
than he gave. The great joy and spiritual dignity of this
woman in fulfilling her vocation was the complete gift of
herself, just as she was. In her lowliness, this poor and
weak woman mirrored Mary's perfect response to God's will.
Women who are ready to do God's will under any conditions
are raised to dignity with Mary. Mary says in her canticle:
My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit
finds joy in God my Saviour. For he has looked upon his
servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me
blessed. And, later in the same canticle,
He has deposed the mighty from their
thrones, and raised the lowly to high
places.[5]
An example of motherhood
The
vocations of men and women in our Church today are of equal
importance, and are meant to compliment each other. The role
of women is neither greater nor lesser than the role of men.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states (2334), "In
creating men "male and female", God gave man and woman an
equal personal dignity. Both were created in the image and
likeness of God."
Recently
I experienced an overwhelming sense of security at the
thought of my husband. I realized that no matter what
happened, he would always forgive and cherish me, and I
would do the same for him. With him by my side, I felt as
though I could face anything. Our mutual sacrifice of love
was bearing the fruit of stability and peace. Out of
reverence for Jesus we learned to forgive and make way for
one another, especially during difficult times. All our
struggles and joys have given us a better idea of our
dignity as a man and a woman of God. Pope John Paul
states:
Creating
men and women in his own image and likeness, God wills for
them the fullness of good, or supernatural happiness, which
flows from sharing in his own life.[6]
From the beautiful union of man and woman often springs
forth a new life. Motherhood as a gift naturally disposes
women to a special generosity and openness to the new
person. The sincere outpouring of our lives through
conceiving and giving birth are a tremendous fulfilment to a
woman. Our femininity naturally inspires us to nurture and
to be open to life.
One
day, someone asked me what was the difference between my
role as a mother and my husband's role as a father. I
answered honestly that I nurture and Gary brings security.
Our ways of relating to children balance out sooner or
later. Of course, different marriages present these
qualities to various degrees. God as our supreme being
possesses both characteristics of motherhood and fatherhood.
God shows gentleness and also disciplines us as his
children. As parents, we rely upon God's wisdom and grace to
help us fulfil our primary calls as mothers and fathers.
In
The Dignity and Vocation of Women we read: "It is commonly
thought that women are more capable than men of paying
attention to another person and that motherhood develops
this predisposition even more."[7]
As
women and mothers we can share out feminine disposition to
be sensitive, understanding, and supportive to individuals,
and with the larger Church community. This ministry usually
broadens when our children mature, since our first duty is
to lay a foundation for them.
Call to Virginity
I
have two precious friends, Joanne and Irene, who have
formally consecrated their lives to Jesus, taking the vows
of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Colin used to refer to
Joanne as Mrs. God.
Mrs.
God actually is quite appropriate, since virginity cannot be
adequately understood without referring to spousal or
married love. Irene and Joanne radiate a consuming love for
Christ the spouse. Each woman has found Jesus who loved even
unto death through his complete gift of self. They have
responded with a heartfelt gift of their whole lives to the
divine spouse. Such a gift of self to Christ becomes a
spiritual union with him through the power of the Holy
Spirit. Each woman becomes one spirit with Jesus, the
spouse.
It
is my privilege to know these two consecrated virgins. They
have both reached out to me so many times. Right now, I am
writing this article in Joanne's apartment at 11:40 p.m.
while she is sleeping. She has opened up her home for me
where it is quiet and free from distractions. Not only has
she opened up her home but her heart and her life. I am
forever grateful.
Irene
is often called Rose as well. I believe her spousal union
with Christ is so powerful and beautiful that 'Rose' best
personifies her as a sweet and fragrant offering to our
Church. She has such a listening heart, and many times has
touched me with her caring words.
Virginity
is a special song of the Kingdom of God to come. It also
frees the individual to give all their time and energy to
build the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. A woman's love is open
to all persons. Virginity is a free choice made by people,
who receive a special grace to carry it out.
One
last thought. God entrusted Mary in a particular way with
Jesus our Saviour. He continues to entrusts women with his
children. This awareness can give moral and spiritual
strength to us. Our role in the Church is very crucial and
exciting.
Holy,
mothers rejoice! You cooperate with God to create and raise
new persons to glorify God. Blessed virgins, be happy! All
people whom you love are embraced by the love of Christ the
spouse.
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