If we would just obey God's commandments, Christmas would be fantastic, our prosperity like a river, and our vindication like the waves of the sea (Is 48:18). Our descendants would be as numerous as the grains of sand and our name never cut off (Is 48:19). There'd be no stopping us.

The Lord says: "If only My people would hear Me, and Israel walk in My ways, quickly would I humble their enemies" (Ps 81:14-15). However, we act "like children squatting in the town squares" (Mt 11:16). We disobey others but want others to obey us. We need someone to teach us obedience. The ideal people for this job are parents. Parents both call for and develop obedience in their children.

When Jesus from the cross told Mary to adopt us and be our mother (Jn 19:26), He was giving us someone to teach us obedience. Mary was perfectly obedient, always doing the Father's will. She is both a parent and the expert in obedience. She can certainly teach us to rely on the Lord's grace and obey. She will constantly exhort us to obey Jesus and "do whatever He tells" us (Jn 2:5). With Mary, we can say and live: "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say" (Lk 1:38).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 19, 2005

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