I look forward to this particular Gospel message every year, as it proclaims what took place with our Lord’s mother and the Divine. Mary is undoubtedly one of the most faith filled and courageous women to ever walk this earth. What’s more she is acknowledged by an angel of the Lord (Gabriel) in a most unique way, and with his unique greeting, gives her fiat (which means yes) without hesitation.
You see, Gabriel says something absolutely extraordinary to Mary, not only because the content is from an angel, but because he acknowledges her favor and holiness in the eyes of the Lord Most High. He tells her of her special place in God’s plan that has existed always. For a young woman to hear these words had to have been very unusual and perhaps even distressing; this is especially true when they are coming from a man who she does not know (which is a big deal in that culture), and who is obviously a messenger from God (which is a big deal in any culture).
And yet, this young woman, very young by our standards today, does not hesitate to accept God’s plan and to be part of it, despite great personal risk and difficulty on so many fronts. You see, Mary was newly betrothed to Joseph and knew full well that this would be incredibly difficult for her to explain to him, and for him to accept. What’s more, in their culture, any young woman found with child that was not from her consummated marriage was in danger of being condemned to be stoned to death by the people. Despite all this, after one simple, practical question, her yes to God’s plan is immediate. No questioning the method, no questioning the outcome, just a yes to being the mother of God in human form. All from a young girl who would not be considered old enough to drive by today’s standards.
This is the reason God chose Mary from the beginning, and why she was so perfect to not only be His earthly mother, but also His first and most ardent disciple. She carried with her all the bonds that a mother would for her son, but also with the foreknowledge through prophecy of what was to eventually take place, and what His mission here on earth truly was. Yet despite this knowledge, she never wavered, never tried to stop what had been foretold for any selfish reasons that we are all so inclined to let sway us at times. She simply loved, followed, and supported her Son, and recognized His divinity throughout His time here on earth.
The thing is, Mary loves us too, as she was given to us as our Mother by our Lord when he was on the cross for our sake. She watches over us, protects us, and intercedes for us as only a queen mother can do. She is our most ardent supporter, and frequent visitor from heaven, and desires to see all of us united with her Son someday. That is her mission. Not to ever seek her own glory, but always to seek the glory of her Son, and to draw us close to Him in love. Through this, she helps us on our way to heaven. This is also God’s gift to us in this Christmas season, as well as Himself. There is nothing we could ever do to have earned this. It is simply given out of love that we cannot adequately fathom or appreciate. Let us truly give thanks to our God in this season of light, hope, and grace.
Podcast Link
The Deacons Bench 