Monday 16 August 2021
- Bible Book:
- Galatians
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. (vs 4-5)
Background
Today many parts of the Christian Church are observing the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We may be familiar with the account of the message of the angel Gabriel to Mary and the surrounding narratives (see Luke 1: 26 - 2: 20). Here in Galatians Paul is reflecting on what it meant for Jesus, the man who was 'God inside', to be born into the world, with Mary as the person chosen to be his mother.
We give thanks to God for Mary’s obedience to God’s will and the care and love she showed to our Lord as he grew. Mary was the surrogate for God to become human and through Jesus to show us the way to live life in all fullness under the grace of God.
Paul goes on to remind us that it is because Jesus was ‘born of a woman’ we might receive ‘adoption as children [of God]’ (verse 5).
I know a number of people who have become adoptive parents. There are many reasons why people decide to do this but my perception is that at the heart of the decision is an amazing capacity for selfless love. We are currently enjoying watching the American seriesThis Is Us, which through 18 episodes follows the lives of three siblings through their life journey. Randall is the adopted black child within a white American family. Because of his adoption, Randall is able to call Jack ‘Father'. He is of a different ethnic background to his siblings Kevin and Kate, yet he has the same right to claim Jack as his father.
As we reflect today on Mary’s obedience, which allowed Christ to live a human life to bring us all into a real and living relationship with God, let us ask what it means to have a real and living relationship with God.
To Ponder:
- Listen to ‘Bogoroditsye Dyevo’ by Rachmaninov and performed by Voces8. Here is a translation from the Russian:
Rejoice, O Virgin, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the saviour of our souls. - What does it mean for you to be fully obedient to God?
- When was the last time you realised God’s love for you in Jesus? Take time to know God’s presence and love for you today.
- Pray for those you know who are adoptive parents and those you know who were adopted.
Prayer
Almighty God, who looked upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary and chose her to be the mother of your only son: grant that we, who are redeemed by his blood, may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.