The Feminine Genius

by Rhea Quemado, Program Associate for EPIC Ministry

May is the month of motherhood and the month in which we especially celebrate the motherhood of Mary. It was Mary who by her fiat or great “YES” became the Mother of God and assumed a special role in our lives, becoming our mother too. Not only is she a model of motherhood, but an inspirational figure to St. John Paul II’s famous term “The Feminine Genius.” According to St. John Paul II, the Feminine Genius includes the special qualities and capabilities that are inherent to womanhood, such as strength, gentleness, humility, beauty, intuition, fidelity, self-giving, acceptance, and receptivity. These are qualities that God calls us, especially women, to embrace. The Church sees in Mary the highest expression of the “feminine genius” and finds in her a source of constant inspiration.

When I was asked to do this reflection for the month of May, I felt challenged because I kept focusing on the aspects of motherhood, which I, myself, am not in that season. But I forgot about Mary’s role of being a servant to the mission through her motherhood to Christ and to us. Mary, by her obedience and faith, not only placed herself at God’s service, but also at the service of others, which was a service of love. In my present vocation, I am a Campus Minister at Chaminade University, Program Associate for EPIC, and a House Mom at the Mercy House, all of which I was called to for the service and love of others. Mary inspires me in her obedience to serving God. She reminds me that sometimes our “yes” may look different. Sometimes our “yes” is not only for a big decision; sometimes it's saying “yes” in the little decisions too. God utilized Mary’s desire, and her “yes”, to accept His will in her life, and sent her to communicate His loving plan for all of humanity. He does that with us too, utilizing us to communicate his will and his glory in whatever vocation we are presently called too.

God aligns our desires to his will. I love serving. I love ministering and supporting our young adults in college and our ministry in EPIC. Wherever you may be in your life, I pray that in this present moment, your will, like Mary, may align with God’s will and that you know you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Sometimes we don't have that one great “yes”. But every small “yes” we make every moment of every day leads us closer to doing God’s will.