CONCLUSION
T
he inspiration and model for the apostolate of accompaniment is
Mary. In Mary’s life depicted in the Gospels, accompaniment is a
central part of her mission and vocation. Before the birth of Jesus
and her ministry to the apostles and early Church, Mary’s actions indicate
her deep love of God, attention to others, and desire to do God’s will that
comprise her apostolate of accompaniment later on. Mary is seen listening
in the events that unfold around her with a reflective heart, both asking
questions and silently pondering:
But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what
sort of greeting this might be. (Luke 1:29)
Mary’s practice of listening, pondering, and reflecting always leads to action
and a response either immediately or later on; Mary is empowered to say,
“May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), because of her
posture of listening. Mary also demonstrates the sense of urgency that the
work of the apostolate requires; she goes “in haste” (Luke 1:39) to share the
good news of the birth of Jesus with Elizabeth.
After Jesus’ birth and during his ministry, Mary accompanies Jesus.
She is present in events like the Wedding Feast of Cana, offering wisdom
and guidance to Jesus, but ultimately trusting him to act and make decisions
himself (John 2:4). Mary also remained courageously present to her Son
in the most difficult hours of his life; Catholic tradition holds that Mary
encountered him on the Way of the Cross. Even as her only Son breathed
his last breaths upon the cross, Mary fearlessly remained with Jesus, accom-
panying him through his passion and death:
Without yielding to evasions or illusions, “she accompanied the
suffering of her Son; she supported him by her gaze and protected
him with her heart. She shared his suffering, yet was not over-
whelmed by it.” (Christus Vivit, 45)
After Jesus’ death, Mary, although herself suffering and uncertain of the
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