Theotokis

A prayer garden at the base of Crough Patrick, The Holy Mountain in Co. Mayo, where St. Patrick is said to have made pilgrimage. Pilgrims to this very day, make the trek, often from Ballintubber Abbey (@ a 20-mile walk away, through sheep fields and farms.) They also, often make the trek barefoot, emulating ‘walking in the footsteps of Jesus’.

Friday of the Third Week of Lent ~ Feast Day of St. Patrick of Ireland ~ 3/17/23

In a letter St. Clare’s wrote to Agnes of Prague, as a spiritual director, she describes “Becoming Christ-Bearers by Following Mary” (which is the title of today’s reflection). The word “Theotokis” means God-bearer and is one of the names given to Mary, the Mother of God.  But, she also bore the human infant in her womb, who would be named Jesus . . . the human incarnation of the divine God.  We are each called to be the same – Christ-bearers.  

I’m not sure if I addressed this in an earlier blog, but Mother Teresa of Calcutta comes instantly to mind when I think of a Christ-bearer.  She saw the face of Christ in each and every person she encountered.  Whether a leper in the gutter, or a homeless person, or sick, or deformed, or mentally ill – from unkempt to downright filthy – with lice and worms infecting their already diseased bodies.  She would pick them up or have someone help her, and take them in and care for them.  She touched them, held them, some as they lay dying in her arms - a final human touch offering them dignity.

This woman owned nothing but 2 sari, a bible, and a rosary.  She slept in a small twin bed the size of a cot, with minimal furnishings in her room . . . a desk and chair and a crucifix.  She lived a life of extreme poverty and humility yet, was highly esteemed by kings, queens, rulers, presidents from every country in the world.  She built dozens of hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes for women and children, but had no money of her own.  The Missionaries of Charity worked to accomplish what one person could not possibly do alone, but it was through the tenacity, persistence, and goodness of Mother Teresa that the work was done.  People saw something in her that was undisputable – it was purity of heart and truth – it was Jesus.  She wanted to reflect Jesus to anyone and everyone she met, because she saw Jesus in them.

St. Clare warns Agnes that in holding on to possessions too tightly instead of holding Christ tightly, close to your heart, “worldly kings and queens are deceived, or, even though their pride may reach the skies and their heads touch the clouds, in the end they are as forgotten as a dung-heap!” (A bit of a reference to Isaiah 14:11-15.) This is so true! Of all the billions of people who have inhabited planet earth over its existence, how many do we really know or remember! We started out Lent with Ash Wednesday and remembering that, “You are dust and into dust you will return.” 

So, it stands to reason that all the things that we shore up, possess and hang on to, are of little value when we are called from this life – the only thing that will go on, is our soul.  It also, stands to reason that we should be spending the bulk of our time and energy on keeping that soul just as pure as possible, so that we can indeed welcome Jesus into our hearts and that He will feel at home there.

Today is the Feast of St. Patrick. I had the privilege of visiting Ireland and specifically Ballintubber Abbey, in Co. Mayo, a few years ago.  I saw the Holy Well where he baptized pagans and where he began the arduous journey to the Holy Mountain – Crough Patrick, about a 20-mile walk away, through sheep fields and farms.  People saw something in him, also.  It must have been a simplicity, or a purity, also, when he used the simple, prolific 3-leaf clover to share about the Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit -in-one. 

People are still looking for that special quality that sets others apart – who they feel they can trust, who they feel have a special way about them, kindness, compassion, empathy . . . Love . . . Christ.

Let us all try to become more Christ-bearers – Light-bearers  . . . to help extinguish the darkness that is so pervasive in our world today.  Be the light that makes the difference. Follow Mary’s example – Christ-bearer/God-bearer.

When someone asks you, what makes you light up, what is your response?   

Try seeing Christ in another this week. Actually try to see a goodness, a purity, a simplicity.   

Try with a family member or friend. 

Try with a stranger. 

Try even harder if it is someone with whom you have a difficult relationship.

Blessings as you continue along your Lenten Journey.