The place of Mary in Catholic values and on behalf of safeguarding human dignity is incalculable. Not only do we have the more familiar pro-life themes, but she is a wonderful corrective to those who would devalue the dignity and contributions of women. Those who dismiss her importance are guilty of the same sexism we see in secular society where women are used and discarded.
Yes, even today, in our so-called more liberated and open society, women are objectified and are the chief casualties of commercialism and pornography. Treated as a commodity, the female body is coveted but the human person that it images is often regarded as unimportant and/or interchangeable. Strangely, many radical feminists errantly buy into such attitudes. Instead of challenging exploitation, they want their own share of victimizing others and engaging in debase behavior. They would retool the sexual desirability of the female form as a weapon in their arsenal for empowerment. But they work to cross-purposes. These same attitudes reduce men to the bestial where there is little in the way of responsibility, self-sacrifice and respect for persons.
Men should model themselves on good St. Joseph and embrace the sacrificial love of Jesus. We should see something of the Blessed Mother in all women, giving them respect and valuing their presence and contributions. The woman’s body is the very locus for the mystery of human life and creation.
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