Can we see Mary as a Model for Modern Mothers?
Mary, the mother of Jesus, has long been revered in the Christian tradition. Beyond the veneration, she was also a real mother facing the same struggles, uncertainties, and joys that mothers experience today. Her story provides a powerful lens through which we can explore motherhood as a sacred role—not just in raising children but in partnering with God in their divine purpose.
In many spiritual traditions, there is a belief that every child is born with a unique purpose or calling. Mary’s experience with Jesus teaches us about the responsibility of nurturing a child’s spiritual path while also learning to let go and trust in God’s greater plan.
Every Child as a Divine Project
The miraculous conception of Jesus is often seen as an extraordinary, singular event, but it can also symbolise a universal truth: every child is born with divine potential. The Bible affirms this idea:
- “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
- “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
What might Mary tell contemporary women about motherhood?
“The story of my son, Jesus' birth, has been celebrated for two thousand years now by people who believe I fully understood the angel’s message. But Jesus’ destiny was a bit of a mystery for me, and I struggled with what to tell him about His origins, about who his biological father was. His early childhood was quite traumatic; he was born in a stable, and I had to flee to Egypt to keep him safe. We both endured many hardships. However, I accepted my role, even in challenging circumstances.
l received my child as a sacred responsibility.
So, I want to tell everyone that you are entrusted with the spiritual formation of your children as a mother. It is not easy for you today to enjoy motherhood when you try to balance work and home life, support your children emotionally, or make difficult decisions that impact your child’s life.
I understand if you do not share your family history with your children and if they grow up observing your personal struggles. But you must learn about trusting God. Things will be revealed when time comes for that. Motherhood is not about having all the answers but about providing a foundation of faith. If you trust God, your children will discover their calling in their time.
I know the challenge of having to step back. As Jesus grew, tensions in our family increased, and I was confused about my son’s spiritual path. Even as a most devoted mother, you might face a painful moment when your children remind you that they ultimately belong to God, not just to you. They might not fulfil your parental expectations and these are moments when you must trust that God is ultimately in control, not you.
During Jesus’ crucifixion, when I was witnessing my son’s suffering, I knew I could not stop his destiny and had to accept the new role my dying son gave me – to be a mother to one of his disciples, to open my heart to love people beyond my immediate family. The most important message I have for you today is that women are to embrace the responsibility of motherhood. It is a divine calling and it comes with the need to accept that you will not always understand your child’s path."
Upon reflection, I have come to believe that contemporary mothers are to learn from Mary, the mother of Jesus to:
recognise that every child has a divine purpose.
accept that you will not always understand your child’s path.
Faith means trusting in God’s greater plan (even when children do not act according to
our personal expectations.)
balance guidance with letting your children discern their own calling.
remain present, even when you must let go. (Like Mary at the cross, a mother’s love does
not end when a child becomes independent.)
In conclusion, Mary’s motherhood is a journey of profound transformation. She moved from uncertainty about her son's identity to trusting in God’s plan that was beyond her understanding.
Can she be a model for modern mothers? I think she is for me. She inspires me to cherish my moments with my children and do my best to see each child’s uniqueness. She encourages me to see God’s purpose for them. Mary is an example of a mother who deserves admiration. God appreciates her sacrifices in nurturing, guiding and letting go of her son, Jesus.
She was not a perfect mother, and some might criticise her for failing to offer Jesus more emotional support and understanding. Hence, instead of looking at Mary's shortcomings and judging her, or seeing her as a distant figure of veneration, let us see her as a relatable, struggling mother deserving some compassion—one who teaches us that every child is a sacred project of God. If we take the perspective that every mother’s role is to walk that journey with both love and faith, we can appreciate ourselves as mothers and all the mothers more.
