How Mary Protects Christianity

Mary protects Christianity from becoming a system of ideas, doctrines, opinions, or convictions. She constantly keeps before us the most intimate relationship with her son. Her complete obedience, radical humility, and unwavering faithfulness show us what a life of following Jesus truly can be. Following Jesus does not mean cligning to an idea or holding on to a principle. It is walking the path of the one who gave his life for his friends and called his followers to do the same. Mary's whole being is in the service of Jesus. She is totally Mother, totally given to letting Jesus be born into this world, not only long ago in Bethlehem, but today and always in the heart of anyone who wants to find God. Her whole being is for Jesus. Seeing Mary always means seeing the Mother of God. Knowing Mary always means knowing the one who gives life to God. - Henri Nouwen, Seeds of Hope, pgs. 165-166.