Saturday 25 March 2023
- Bible Book:
- Luke
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. (vs 26-27)
Background
Enlightenment-era Protestantism tends to be a bit cool about Mary, the mother of Jesus. But Orthodox Christians and Catholics are very hot on the Mother of Jesus. The Greek title, Theotokos, the one who gave birth to (or carried) God, or the Latin Mater Dei, the mother of God, show the reverence with which Mary is considered in these two ancient traditions. In our post-modern age and Northern European culture there are signs that Mary is regaining a place in the more liberal/liberationist faith imagination. A teenager not bound by conventional rules on sexuality and reproduction can be quite a liberating icon. Albeit a biblical figure, Mary evokes all sorts of spin-offs, new metaphors and a new understanding of the blessings of God for those who are different.
With her 'Fiat', Mary also inspires readiness to be different. Fiat is a Latin word meaning let it be done. "Let it be done unto me according to your will", she said to the angel Gabriel. We see Mary’s willingness to accept her calling: to be found in an odd situation. To be the mother of Jesus was almost the easiest part, but maybe I would say that, being a man myself. But to face, so young, the consequences of deviating from social norms, was quite something else. That is one of the reasons why Mary has become an important figure in the spirituality of Christian people, and in that of people of other faiths too, as someone who can intercede and help to resolve problems.
"For troubles without number surround me, O Lord… they are more than the hairs of my head" (Psalm 40:12). Whoever knows the anxieties of life and has experienced troubles to the point of losing sleep would appreciate the refuge and comfort angels can bring in the name of God. 'Undoing the knots’ is Pope Francis’ favourite devotional icon. It depicts two angels kneeling low close to the Madonna. While one feeds a cord full of knots to her, the other retrieves it untied and free of knots. With that spiritual support what seemed impossibly complicated is now resolved. ‘Nothing is impossible with God’ (Luke 1:37).
To Ponder:
- How would you understand Elizabeth’s greeting to Mary: ‘… the mother of my Lord …’ (Luke 1:43)?
- The Magnificat, the song of Mary, seems to testify more to being a ‘revolutionary’ woman than a ‘saint’. What are your thoughts?
- Would a kitsch icon ever be part of your devotional tools? Why?
Prayer
God of the poor and the alien, also God of the odd and different ones, we give your thanks and praise for Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, who is our Saviour. Give us grace to follow her example of courage and willingness to serve, accepting your perfect will. Now and in the hour of our death, Amen.