Mary…

Scriptures: Luke 1:26-38; Luke 1:46b-55

 (I am influenced in these reflections by the work of Lynn Japinga, Professor of Religion at Hope College writing in Connections, A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship. Year B, Vol. 1.)

In the life of the church, it is always a little strange when Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday. Somehow need to complete the Advent wreath in the morning and then shift to the Christmas celebration at night. When these days coincide on the calendar the scriptures always seem difficult to fit into the story. So, we will be looking at the two main Mary stories: The Annunciation from Luke 1:26-38 and The Magnificat from Luke 1:46b-55.

 Luke 1:26-38

There are three aspects of Mary’s story that Professor Japinga points out. They are parts of Mary’s story that the church has wrestled with and sometimes been tripped up by through the centuries.

1.     Virgin Mother – twice Luke refers to Mary as a virgin and when the angel tells Mary what is to happen, even she wonders how that can be. We might have the same question. It is important to understand that what is happening defies biology and logic. Luke is not trying to solve a biological puzzle so much as assert that God is doing something “radically” new. There is a biblical tradition of infertile women like Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah and Elizabeth (Mary’s cousin and mother of John the Baptist) conceiving when God intervenes. If the son of Mary is to be greater – then, Mary’s conception must be more miraculous. The birth of Jesus will be different from any other birth. [Side Note: A virgin birth isn’t limited to Christianity, other faiths/ cultures have stories of virgin births.] In Genesis God creates from nothing and now God is creating a baby in Mary’s womb. God chooses to dwell in the body of a woman and God chooses to be human. Dave’s thought: The story of the virgin birth – however you understand it – is more of a theological story than a biological story. The power is in God becoming human.

2.     Saint or Human – very often the miraculous elements of the text immediately raise Mary to sainthood. She is more holy, pure and obedient than any ordinary woman. The depictions of Mary don’t show any of the reality of pregnancy. Mary is greeted by the words: “Greetings favored (or graced) one – and Mary ponders how she can be favored. To be favored does not mean to be privileged in terms of power or money. What does it mean to be favored or graced? Mary is human – like us – and voices tell us all the time that we aren’t enough. But, like Mary we are favored or graced by God too. We are enough – you are enough.

3.     Handmaid or Agent – Is Mary an obedient handmaiden who passively gives into God? (More than you wanted to know category: The literal translation of the Greek word doulos is slave, often softened to handmaiden.) Mary is often portrayed having no choice. How could she decline the honor of being God’s handmaiden? Mary is sometimes referred to as the new Eve or the woman who gets it right. Eve disobeys God, Mary accepts her role and births salvation. Too often Christian women have been taught to imitate a male understanding of Mary’s obedience and submission. The text tells a different story: Mary ponders, Mary questions, Mary wonders how this could be. In the end Mary says yes. Luise Schottroff notes: “Obedience to God’s will does not destroy one’s self-confidence but builds it up.” Mary becomes a model of discipleship. Like Mary we can follow Jesus and still ponder, question and wonder. If Mary is more like us, and not so high above us, how can we become more like her? She freely and joyfully says yes to participate in God’s work in the world.

 Luke 1:46-55

After a few verses of Mary going to visit Elizabeth, we get these famous words – The Magnificat. This is a song of a mother anticipating the life and ministry of her yet unborn child, singing the liberation he will bring. Mary knows that Jesus will do what the kings and leaders have failed to do in the past. This is a song – and it is similar to the songs of other mothers in scripture. Mary knows and celebrates that this child will upset the status quo, turning the world upside down.

So beloved – read these two stories together and treat yourself to some time to reflect on what is coming. How can we be like Mary? You are enough, we are enough.

Peace,

Dave

 If you would like to receive some biblical reflections on the weekly lectionary readings contact me at Dave.mears33@gmail.com.