The Mother of God: Gate of the Incarnation

Homily on the 26^th Sunday of Pentecost

Luke 13-10-17; Ephesians 5: 8-19.

Homily – Feast of the Presentation of the All-Holy Theotokos at the Temple

This week the Church celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the All-Holy Theotokos at the Temple. This feast is a profound prefiguration of Mary’s unique and essential role in the salvation of mankind. Without the Theotokos’ “yes” to the All-Holy Trinity, (the Incarnation as it happened in time), would not have taken place. God, in His divine providence, set her apart for this sacred vocation: to become the Mother of God, for through her womb the King of Glory entered our frail human condition, becoming the God-Man—two natures perfectly joined without confusion.

It is a humbling and awe-inspiring thought that the Second Person of the All-Holy Trinity took on our human nature, being both fully human and fully God. By doing this He revealed the infinite value of human life; if humanity were worthless, He would never have assumed it.

Saint Athanasius expresses this beautifully in On the Incarnation, chapter 3:

“What, then, was God to do? What else could He possibly do, being God, but renew His Image in mankind, so that through it men might once more come to know Him? … The Word of God came in His own Person, because it was He alone, the Image of the Father, who could recreate man made after the Image. In order to effect this re-creation, however, He had first to do away with death and corruption. Therefore He assumed a human body, in order that in it death might once for all be destroyed, and that men might be renewed according to the Image.”

Returning to the All-Holy Theotokos: when she said her “yes” to God’s plan, she did so knowing that hardship would follow. In her society a man marrying a woman already found to be pregnant risked shame and ridicule. But Saint Joseph, righteous and obedient, kept her as his bride because he knew the divine role she had been appointed to play in bringing forth the Saviour.

Some groups (arising more than a thousand years after Christ established His Church) accuse us of “worshipping” Mary and the Saints. This is incorrect. We venerate her; we do not worship her. We honour her because her “yes” opened the road that led to Calvary, the Tomb, and ultimately our redemption—the womb of our salvation.

And we know her role also from Christ Himself at Calvary, when He said to her: “Woman, behold your son” (John 19:26). In that moment Mary became the adoptive mother of all Christians. As the mother of Jesus, she becomes an advocate for us—not replacing Christ but interceding with Him. Just as noble families in centuries past sought to place their children in the private service of a king or queen to gain access to the royal ear, so too the Theotokos—standing in the closest possible relationship to her Son—can intercede lovingly on our behalf. The Saints, who have fought the good fight and finished the race, also intercede for us, asking Christ to grant what is profitable for our salvation.

Yet all of this requires that we remain close to Christ through the Holy Mysteries—especially the Holy Eucharist and Confession. These Mysteries unite us to Christ in a mystical and life-giving way and give us the grace necessary to journey home to Him.

Mary’s motherly care for us is demonstrated throughout history by countless miracles performed through her intercessions. One such miracle is the apparition at Zeitun in Egypt, beginning on 2 April AD 1968 and continuing for nearly three years. The first appearance was witnessed by two garage attendants who saw a luminous woman upon the roof of the church and called out, “Please don’t jump!” Soon crowds gathered as the apparitions continued—often accompanied by clouds of heavenly incense and mysterious spiritual doves. Many received healings, regardless of their faith or background.

On one occasion the Theotokos bowed before the cross upon the church’s dome, showing clearly that salvation is through Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. At a time when Egypt was burdened with ethnic and religious tension, these apparitions helped avert what could have become great violence and loss of life.

The Holy Cross itself may seem like a contradiction or even foolishness to the unbelieving world, yet it is nothing of the sort. As Saint Paul teaches:

“For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”— 1 Corinthians 1:18

And again:

“We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”— 1 Corinthians 1:23

Upon the Cross hung the Saviour of the world, who descended into death so that He might raise fallen humanity with Him on the third day. The God of all creation emptied Himself so that our nature, wounded by the fall of Adam and Eve, might be restored.

Therefore, pray to the All-Holy Theotokos and to the Saints. They stand with us; they are our heavenly cheer-squad, longing for us to enjoy perfect communion with the All-Holy Trinity. Ask them to pray for everything you need—humbly, not demanding, for no one listens to the entitled brat who believes they deserve every blessing without gratitude.

Finally, let us show the love of Christ to those around us. Be His hands and His feet in this broken world. The holiday season and Christmas can be the most painful time of year for those who feel alone or forgotten. Every small act of love allows others to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

May the prayers of the All-Holy Theotokos guide you and may Christ our true God guide you as you try to deepen your relationship with Him.

All- Holy Theotokos Pray for us.