Lessons: Psalm 45, 46; Isaiah 35:1-10; Revelation 22:12-17,21; Luke 1:67-80
An Ordinary Woman
Accomplishing Extraordinary Things
The images of Mary are numerous in the Christian tradition and the nonsense that the institutional Church, and many Christians, have placed on this dear woman is exhausting. From “virgin” blue garments, to the esteemed title of “theotokos”, to the misguided belief that somehow Mary did not die but was assumed into heaven, to the silliness of the sixth century doctrine of her perpetual virginity, the Church has done its best to make Mary something she was not.
So, who was this young maiden who was called upon to participate in one of the greatest events in history?
From the Gospels, we have very little information to go by. In Matthew, Mary does not speak. The story centers all on Joseph and how he dealt with the issues of Mary’s pregnancy, the escape into Egypt and finally settling in Nazareth.
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The Gospel of Luke is our primary source for all things "Mary". It is a rich treasury filled with vivid imagery of a young girl who is clearly ahead of her time. While perplexed by the news from Gabriel, Mary willingly accepts her role in the drama. She joyfully greets Elizabeth, in one of the most charming moments in all of the Scriptures. Mary then proceeds to sing a song that is so revolutionary in character, The Magnificat, it makes me believe the adage that the “apple does not fall far from the tree” – Jesus was a lot like his mother in terms of message and belief system.
Mary was not some “sweet” little girl meekly playing her role in an obscure divine drama. She was a rebel proclaiming that the revolution had begun in earnest: “And God’s mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him. He hath showed might in his arm: God hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. God hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.” There are not many rebels in today’s Church calling out the evils of this world and suggesting that the powers and principalities be overthrown.
For me, in this stage of life’s journey, I am deeply moved by Mary’s ordinariness: a simple young woman who believed in God and was looking for the Kingdom. God used this ordinary servant in the most extraordinary of ways. Her faithfulness, devotion, and willingness to speak truth to power is an example for us all.
Lord, your servant Mary offered herself to your call to bring into the world the child known as Jesus. Help us each and every day, by the power of your Spirit, to be “God-bearers” in our own time and place. AMEN.
Advent Action Step: Mary’s ‘yes’ to God made all of the difference. Where are you saying yes to God in your life?
Love One Another – Brian
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