Then Mary said, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord: let it be with me according to your word.” Luke 1:38
As I think about this season of Advent, my thoughts always seems to lean towards journey, being on, having been, or looking forward to. I think of the incredible transformation journey that began with Mary, a young girl who was confronted by an angel to be the carrier of God’s love for the world. Mary had to have known who she was and to whom she belonged to from the very beginning or, I believe she would have questioned the angel Gabriel, but it seems as if she didn’t flinch at her calling and her destiny. Yes, I believe Mary was a humble servant of God; but I also feel strongly that she was an incredibly strong young lady. To be told that you would become pregnant, by God, not of man, and knowingly scorned and humiliated by your community, and probably lose your engagement to the man you are betrothed to, you might as well kiss your future goodbye! But Mary said yes!
I have always admired Mary, a young girl at the tender age of 13 or 14, when confronted with this transformational journey before her, not knowing, and probably not even fully understanding what would be before her, all she could do was to praise God from her tender young heart. Mary fully trusted her God that she worshipped. Mary embodied love, love for God, love for others and love for the world. It was the only plausible way she could fulfill her calling.
I believe we are all on a transforming journey through this year of so much uncertainty, devastation and heartache. We are being called to fulfill our calling of love, love for God, love for others and love for the world. It seems that we have gone down a path that has taken us to a place of seeking what pleases our individual selves. Please understand I am speaking of a collective “we” the world as a whole. And in this year we are confronted to see beyond ourselves, to have a deeper sense of humanity, to seek and acknowledge goodness in others, to stand for love and the dignity of all people.
Mary was a person who lived her life in just such a way, instinctively she knew in her heart and soul we are all connected by threads of love. Her journey of transformation was not for her but for all the world. When she said “yes” she became a woman of great love, strength and persistence in carrying out a difficult journey of transformation. I have been praying for myself and all the world that we may be a continuation of Mary’s journey of transformation for all the world.
God, the One who has brought all things into existence, guide us, lead us on our journey of transformation of seeking your love and becoming a light that disperses the darkness of a hurting world. May we, in this Advent season welcome You in the way of change for the sake of the world. Amen.
Blessings,
Brenda