Wednesday 25 March 2009

Background

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation, when the Churchcelebrates the news that the angel Gabriel gave to Mary that shewas going to bear a child, Jesus.

Christians from the Orthodox tradition, an ancient style of Churchbased mainly in the lands of the eastern Mediterranean and Russia,call Mary, 'God bearer' or 'Mother of God'. Her faithful witness isthe use of her body giving birth to Jesus.

Charles Wesley was a great hymn writer. He was co-worker with hisbrother John in founding the Methodist movement. In the carol'Let earth and heaven combine' he wrote the words, "Godcontracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man", which was his wayof stressing the depth of the mystery being described in thispassage.

At the heart of the Christian faith is God in human form, one ofus, growing and learning. He experienced joy and sadness, andsuffered and died as one with us. Down the centuries that act haseither been the miracle that makes Christianity attractive, or sooffensive as to drive people to disbelieve in the Christianway.

Mary, his mother, accompanied Jesus throughout his life, beingpresent at his death and a witness to what came next. TheResurrection is another mystery of faith central to allChristians.

In a male dominated world, it is perhaps the quality of Mary'switness and her femininity that has enabled her to encouragemillions of people, especially women, to be faithful disciples.

To Ponder

How important to you is the figure and story ofMary, the mother of Jesus?

How helpful is it in such a male dominated worldto have a witness like Mary?

What do you find most encouraging in thisstory?