By Olivia Obijiaku
Recently ordained deacon, Rev. Kingsley Ndubueze Agu, MSP, urged Christians to always seek God’s help through the intercession of Mother Mary. He explained that Mary is the Mother of Jesus but not the spouse of God, conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit without sexual intercourse.
While delivering the homily at the Mass of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, A.B.U Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria – Kaduna State, Deacon Agu clarified that the Blessed Virgin earned the title “Mother of God” due to Jesus Christ’s dual nature as both God and man.
“Mary is the Mother of God,” Deacon Agu affirmed. “In simpler terms: Jesus is the Incarnate Son of God; Mary bore him; so, Mary is truly the Mother of God. However, this title does not imply that she is the wife of God the Father, nor does it suggest that Jesus Christ was generated by the Holy Spirit.”
Deacon Agu further explained that Mary’s divine maternity is attributed to Jesus Christ, who is God the Son. This teaching was established at the Council of Ephesus (431) due to the mystery of the Incarnation.
In summary, Deacon Agu stated, “Jesus Christ, who is both God and man, is one; and therefore, Mary must be recognized as the Mother of God.”
He emphasized that Mary is profoundly celebrated under this title because of the unity of Jesus Christ’s two natures – human and divine. This status was earned due to her active role in his coming to us in the flesh, as explained by St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Gregory Nazianzus.
Deacon Agu also referenced St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter on the Dignity of Woman in the Light of Mary (1988), highlighting the relation between Mary’s divine maternity and the vocation of every woman.
He encouraged the congregation to respect and value every woman, ensuring they do not leave encounters unhappier than before. Deacon Agu also urged women to value themselves, recognizing their priceless place and enormous role among God’s creatures.
Finally, Deacon Agu charged the congregation to maintain their confidence in imploring the maternal intercession of the Blessed Mother, not only as the Mother of Jesus Christ but also as their Mother and the Mother of every member of the Church.
