Homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It reminds us of the importance and the honor that we give to Mary as Catholics. I’m sure most of us here today have been asked at least once why Catholics give the Blessed Mother such an important place in the Church. The simple answer is that she said yes. She said yes to the invitation from the Father to be the bearer of Christ, to be the bearer of God himself.

The title “Mother of God” is from the Greek “Theotokos,” meaning “God-bearer.” It is through this celebration, which finds its origins in discussions that took place at the Council of Ephesus in 431, that the church reminds us of Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation. Without Mary’s fiat, without her “yes,” Jesus would…