Mary Gate of Heaven: a Holy Door always open
In this Jubilee year, the Door is an important symbol that marks the beginning of our Pilgrimage of Hope
As we know, one of the Litanies of the Blessed Virgin Mary is precisely “door to Heaven.” Mary is a door that is always open and leads us to Heaven; she is par excellence our hope of returning to God.
But do we have to wait for our death to meet God and to taste the climate of Heaven?
No, Mary offers us the possibility of encountering God always, even now.
We have access to a few episodes in the life of our Mother Mary, but I want to dwell on the Magnificat, where Mary in a few words emphasizes a social, political, spiritual, concrete revolutionary image of the works of mercy and where she emphasizes the marginalia.
So let us reread her magnificent prayer:
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit exults in God, my savior, because he has looked upon the humility of his servant. Henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Great things has the Almighty done in me, and holy is his name: from generation to generation his mercy is stretched out upon those who fear him.He has unfolded the power of his arm, he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has overthrown the mighty from their thrones, he has lifted up the humble; he has filled the hungry with good things, he has sent the rich back empty-handed. He has rescued Israel, his servant, remembering his mercy, as he promised our fathers, Abraham and his descendants, forever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, and now and forever and ever. Amen.
The words that immediately link Mary to the image of the “door” are those given in this verse, “because he looked upon the humility of his handmaid.”
A door to allow one to pass through must be open, and this opening lies in the recognition of her humility, not as a virtue but as a state. She recognizes her littleness to the core and this leaves the space for an encounter with God: a white background that allows God to write, a silence that allows God to speak and give the Word through her.
The Magnificat is a hymn of humility and hope
Mary in the verses (LC 1: 50-53) celebrates God’s works in history, emphasizing how He raises up the humble and lowers the proud.
She expresses hope in deliverance from sin and suffering, universal themes that resonate in the heart of every man.
The Magnificat is more than just a song; it is a profound reflection on faith, hope and divine mercy. Mary’s words continue to resonate throughout the centuries, inspiring generations of believers and inviting us to praise God for his wonders, to be his co-workers and instruments in making the world more human.
The Magnificat and works of mercy are deeply linked: Mary’s song reminds us that God’s mercy is manifested in history through our actions. We are invited to live our faith by loving our neighbor as ourselves, following the example of Mary and Jesus.
Mary in the Magnificat shows us that faith is concretized in works. We are called to follow in her footsteps and put the works of mercy into practice in our daily lives.
If we live the Magnificat, we too can be “doors” to enable others to encounter God’s love and His mercy.
Raise up the humble
This statement refers us directly to the spiritual work of mercy of “counseling the doubters.” Mary invites us to support with our word and presence those who are uncertain on the path of life. And she also invites us to practice the spiritual work of mercy of “speaking well of others,” not judging and recognizing the dignity of each person.
Fill the hungry with good
Here we find a clear reference to the corporal work of “feeding the hungry.” Mary reminds us that we are called to share our goods with those in need. We are surrounded by many kinds of hunger: for food, for tenderness, for gratitude, for warmth, for friendship, for justice.
Send the rich back empty-handed
This phrase reminds us that for an equitable distribution of goods, we can “advise” the rich to open their hands to give or we can “admonish” those who are in indifference.
He cast out the powerful from their thrones
This verse reminds us of the importance of humility and justice. It is an invitation to fight injustice and defend the rights of the weakest.
Every time we give food to a hungry person, or drink to a thirsty person, or clothe a naked person, or listen to a suffering person, or admonish a proud person, or live out the other Works of Mercy, we make the world more livable by opening doors for many to taste the climate of Heaven, where Love reigns. Following the example of our Mother Mary, let us become “doors of hope and mercy” in this special time.
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