Thought for the Week

Mary must have had an emotional roller coaster. It is said “Patience is a virtue.” Surely this is true. It is not so much Mary I am talking about here. God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah. It had been almost 700 years since the prophecy told “A virgin shall conceive and bear a Son…” It would certainly be a miracle for this to happen and small wonder most people would not believe it could happen. Yet the prophecy was a subject of Scripture and therefore would be preached, and talked about, not only in synagogues and religious meetings. I think it is expected little girls fantasized or day-dreamed about this. But one day, Mary was likely going about her business, and was suddenly confronted by an angel. That she was startled goes without saying. But when the angel addressed her it was with a most unusual greeting that puzzled and distressed her. Quickly he attempted to calm her so she could fully understand why he had come and what he had to tell her. It was a request from God that had never before nor since been delivered. Angel Gabriel encouraged Mary not to be afraid. He then said God had highly favored Mary. She would be the virgin to bear the Son Isaiah had prophesied so long ago. We cannot know all the emotions that flooded through Mary. Certainly there was excitement. From a strictly human perspective, Mary wondered about the impossibility of conceiving a child without involvement of a husband/man she knew she had not had. In the culture and time, girls were not educated as boys were. But, likely then as now, children, girls with girls and boys with boys, did talk such things over. As I interpret, Gabriel told Mary The Holy Spirit would take the place of a husband/man. This would be a necessity for the fulfillment of God’s plan. According to the doctrine of ‘original sin’, sin was passed from generation to generation through the man. In order to become the ‘Sacrifice for Sin’, the Baby conceived could not have a ‘sin nature’. So, He could be called ‘The Son of God’. Mary could be thrilled to be asked this of God. She could become a part of prophesy’s fulfillment. She could also see her own dreams of becoming a mother fulfilled. I’m sure there would be other questions: “What will people think?” “How can I raise a child alone, without help?” “What will my parents think?” What will Joseph think?” “What is the destiny of this Baby?” To support belief in his statement, Angel Gabriel offered more information: A relative of Mary’s, Elizabeth, who was considered too old to have children, was also expecting a baby. Mary could check out this information. But, for me, the best emotional response of Mary, was her willing submission to God. I detect no real hesitation, no objection, only a very positive response to God’s request. She said, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me as you have said.” With that, the angel left Mary. I am sure she had lots to consider. I am sure a multitude of emotions rolled around inside Mary. But I say this: “Has God asked you to do something for Him?” Certainly it may not be such a huge request. But God’s requests of us, great or small, should be answered just as positively, unhesitatingly, as Mary answered. May we be as submissive and obedient to God as Mary was.

Scriptures to Read

Isaiah 7:14, 9:1-7

Galatians 3:21-4:7

Exodus 12:1-7

St. Luke 1:26-38

St. Luke 1:39-56

St. John 8:42-47

St. Luke 2:19, 29-35