On this Saturday devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we pause to contemplate her role in the economy of salvation as illuminated by two passages from Sacred Scripture: Titus 3:4-7 and Luke 2:15-20. These readings, rich with theological and spiritual depth, invite us to meditate on the mystery of God’s mercy and the intimate participation of the Mother of God in His plan of redemption.
Titus 3:4-7: God’s Mercy Manifested in Christ
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
In this passage, St. Paul proclaims the essence of salvation: it is not through human merit, but through the boundless mercy of God revealed in Jesus Christ. This mercy is poured out upon us through the sacraments, particularly in baptism, which regenerates us and makes us heirs of eternal life.
The Church Fathers recognized in this passage the overwhelming generosity of God. St. Augustine reflects on how this “goodness and loving-kindness” (Latin: humanitas) expresses God’s condescension in becoming man for our salvation. He writes:
“What greater proof of mercy could there be than this, that He who is the one Son of God should become the Son of Man, so that the sons of men might become sons of God?” (Enarrationes in Psalmos, 50).
Here we see a Marian dimension: the Incarnation, the supreme act of God’s mercy, took place within the virginal womb of Mary. Her fiat was the human response to divine grace, enabling the “goodness and loving-kindness” of God to enter history.
Luke 2:15-20: Mary, Keeper of Divine Mysteries
“And it came to pass, when the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us. And they came with haste, and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.”
The shepherds’ encounter with the Christ Child reveals the divine mercy foretold by Titus. The lowly shepherds, despised in society, are chosen to receive the angelic announcement. This choice prefigures how God’s grace is extended to the humble and contrite of heart.
St. Ambrose, commenting on the role of the Virgin Mary, sees in her the exemplar of the Church’s faith:
“Mary kept these things in her heart, for she was both Mother and Disciple. The wonder of what she bore, she knew; the magnitude of what was to come, she meditated upon.” (Expositio Evangelii secundum Lucam, 2.19).
Mary’s pondering signifies more than simple memory—it reveals her deep contemplation of the mysteries of salvation. She stands as the first theologian, pondering the Word of God made flesh.
Sanctæ Mariæ Sabbato: Marian Themes
On this Saturday, traditionally dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin, these readings lead us to reflect on her unique role in the mystery of salvation. The mercy spoken of in Titus is brought into the world through her assent. The joy and wonder of the shepherds in Luke find their culmination in Mary’s quiet reflection, teaching us the value of interior prayer and meditation on divine mysteries.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a great Marian doctor, beautifully ties these themes together:
“Through Mary, the gate of heaven, salvation was opened to us. She is the ladder by which sinners ascend to the heights of grace, for through her the Word was made flesh, and mercy was made manifest.” (Sermones in Nativitate Domini, 2).
Living the Mystery
How can we, like Mary, “ponder these things in our hearts”? The sanctification of Saturdays in her honor is an opportunity for us to imitate her example by dedicating time to silent prayer, meditation on the mysteries of the rosary, and adoration of her Son. By reflecting on God’s mercy and Mary’s role, we are drawn closer to the heart of Christ.
Let us, with the shepherds, make haste to adore Him; and with Mary, let us treasure the mysteries of salvation, so that we too may become heirs of eternal life. In the words of St. Ephrem the Syrian:
“Mary bore Him as a child, and He filled her with the Spirit of life. In her womb, she carried the mercy of the ages.” (Hymns on the Nativity, 16).
Through Mary, may we always find the path to her Son, the fount of mercy and grace. Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis!