Imitate Mary: Be Humble, Hungry, and Smart

On August 15 each year, we celebrate the glorious Feast of the Assumption of Mary, our Holy Mother, into heaven. This solemnity reminds us of Mary’s unique role in salvation history and her deep relationship with God. As we reflect on her life and her Assumption, I would like to focus on three qualities of Mary that we can all strive to embody in our own lives: humble, hungry, and smart.

Be Humble

First, let us consider Mary’s humility. Humility is a virtue often overlooked in a world that values self-promotion and pride. Yet, it is precisely Mary’s humility that made her the perfect vessel for God’s plan. St. Catherine of Siena beautifully expresses, “God was so pleased with Mary's humility that His goodness compelled Him to give her the Word, his only begotten Son.” Mary’s humility was not just a passive acceptance but an active surrender to God’s will. When she said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your Word,” she opened her heart fully to God, allowing His will to be done through her. 

In our own lives, humility means recognizing that we are not the center of the universe but that God is. It means being willing to say “yes” to God’s plan, even when difficult or unclear. It means serving others without seeking recognition or reward. Like Mary, we are called to offer our will as an offering to our Creator, trusting that He will work through us in ways we cannot even imagine. 

Be Hungry 

Next, let us reflect on Mary’s hunger—not a physical hunger, but a deep, spiritual hunger for God. The whole world was hungry for Mary to come along, for God to keep His promise. From the fall of Adam and Eve, humanity had been yearning for redemption, hungry for a Savior. When Mary was conceived, hope was finally on the way. 

Mary’s hunger for God was not just passive waiting; it was an active longing, a deep desire to be united with God’s will. This hunger drove her to say “yes” to the angel Gabriel, to embrace the challenges of being the Mother of God, and to stand by her Son even to the foot of the cross. 

We, too, are called to be spiritually hungry. In a world that offers many distractions and false satisfactions, we must cultivate a deep longing for God. We must be hungry for His Word, for His presence in our lives, for the grace that only He can provide. This hunger will drive us to seek Him more earnestly, to pray more fervently, and to live our lives in a way that reflects His love. 

Be Smart 

Finally, let us consider Mary’s wisdom. Among all of God’s creatures, Mary was and remains the smartest in keeping her relationship with God number one in her heart. She knew that true wisdom is found not in worldly knowledge but in a deep and abiding relationship with God. Her wisdom was shown in her ability to bring God’s Word to everyone she encountered—to love, comfort, console, and strengthen all of God’s children. 

Mary’s smartness wasn’t about intellect alone; it was about discernment, knowing what truly matters in life. She kept God at the center of everything, and because of that, she was able to navigate the joys and sorrows of her life with grace and strength. She understood that the smartest way to live is to keep God first and to share His love with others. 

In our own lives, we are called to be smart in the same way. We are called to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, to seek His wisdom in our decisions, and to bring His Word to those around us. This is true wisdom—knowing that our lives are most meaningful when aligned with God’s will. 

Conclusion 

As we celebrate the Assumption of Mary, let us take inspiration from her life. Let us strive to be humble, recognizing our need for God and surrendering our will to Him. Let us be hungry, cultivating a deep longing for God’s presence in our lives. And let us be smart, prioritizing our relationship with God and sharing His love with others. 

Mary’s Assumption is a reminder that God rewards those who are humble, hungry, and smart with the ultimate gift—eternal life with Him. May we follow Mary’s example and, like her, be lifted up by God’s grace into the fullness of life He has prepared for us.