Humble Mary

Nearer and nearer we draw to Christmas, that paradoxical day when the might of heaven was found in the helpless infant. How is it that you receive that gift of God? What is the manner and attitude operating in your heart? Is it one of annoyance or irritation that God would be so helpless (hapless?)? Do you find yourself motivated to manage God or to do him a favor, because he is so weak?

When we look to Mary, the young Jewish mother of Jesus, we see a different picture. There is no agitation in her speech or overbearing (s)mothering because this little one to come is too weak. Neither do we hear any frustration that God has wrecked her weak, year, or life with the announcement of the coming savior through her womb. Rather we read her response of humble trust: "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word." (Lk 1:38) Trusting, she received from God and thus presents the world a picture and life of humility. Humility changes the world because it reflects, knowingly or not, the heart of Jesus.

May it be that we are a humble people, a people and parish like Mary who humbly, and with joy, received from God without bitterness, resentment, or angst. Those attitudes of the heart are small deaths leading to a much larger death. But a humble heart proceeds on the path to life, finding Jesus along the way.

Grace & Peace