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How many young women of her time, or ours would react as she did? I’m fairly certain I would have run for the Judean hills!
But she did not. Although utterly terrified she acquiesced to what was being asked of her. Such was her faith that she simply accepted God’s plan for her. Once again I wonder at her courage, her willingness and acceptance. Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.
Scriptural scholar Steve Mueller comments that in responding in such a way, Mary shows us how to respond to and receive God’s invitation to live with us and to transform our lives. She also reminds us that as God grows within us we must wait and watch to be ready when God breaks into our lives, and then, like Mary to treasure these moments and let them transform us.
As a community, during Advent, we have explored the themes of Invitation, Encouragement, and Joy. In the Gospel reading this weekend, all three are apparent, the invitation to Mary, the encouragement of the angel Gabriel in responding to her concerns and the quiet joy expressed in her acceptance.
The theme we explore in this last week is that of hope. Hope is something familiar to us all, something certainly sought and needed during this particularly extraordinary year. As a worshipping community it has been a year that has challenged us but it is wonderful that we can come together at Christmas to give witness to our communal hope in the child that Mary said yes to, the child born in Bethlehem, the incarnation, the God who is with us always.
Jane Connolly, Parishioner
Sunday Readings: 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8-12, 14,16; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38
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