“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Luke 1:38

My preoccupation with Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a constant fascination every time this year.  My longtime readers know this, and I have included links below for my newer followers.  This fascination is so prevalent my dad tells me I should convert to Roman Catholicism. I told him I was Episcopalian, pomp without the pope, which is catholic enough for me.

No matter how many times I read Mary’s story, it deeply resonates with me. This year the fourth Sunday of Advent falls on Christmas Eve so the focus will quickly shift to Jesus’ Incarnation.  As such, I wanted to take a moment to stay with Mary’s story of faith and obedience before the celebration of Jesus begins.

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Embracing the Divine Call

Mary’s journey began with a divine call that summoned her to embrace a destiny far beyond ordinary comprehension.

We have the Annunciation. A young girl is visited by an angel. Not any angel, mind you, she comes face-to-face with the archangel Gabriel.

The Gabriel.

The one who stands in the presence of God Almighty.

The one who has, as far as we know, only spoken to a prophet (Daniel) and a priest (Zechariah) up to this point. Daniel was so terrified upon seeing Gabriel, he fell to the ground (Daniel 8:15-17, NIV.) Zechariah was gripped with fear (Luke 1:12, NIV.) And here the angel is speaking to an adolescent girl named Mary.

The Evangelist Luke tells the story. (Luke 1: 26-38.) 

“Greetings, favored one!” said the angel when he arrived. “May the Lord be with you!”

And the news which greets Mary is unprecedented. “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” How will she conceive? By the power of the Holy Spirit.

It goes against the plans which are expected of her by her parents and betrothed. She is supposed to remain pure until she is formally a wife to Joseph. This news could mean her death. Women were stoned for such behavior. If she lived, she could be an outcast from her society. How is anyone going to understand or believe Mary?

Her answer? “Here I am,” said Mary; “I’m the Lord’s servant-girl. Let it happen to me as you’ve said.” I know I’d have a few more questions. Her faith astounds me. It also makes me feel guilty. I’ve always had faith, but I have the feeling my faith wavers like a candle flame flickering and sputtering. Mary’s faith seems like a roaring fire, unwavering and abundant.

Despite the perplexity of the situation, she accepted the burden with grace and humility. Her heart burst with love and devotion as she embarked on a path filled with uncertainties.

A Mother’s Devotion

I remember holding my firstborn in the hospital. It had been a tumultuous 15 days of NICU visits, beeping machines and nurses all around. Everything had worked out. My son was eating and breathing, well and healthy. After the car seat test, I held him in my arms as they told me he would be discharged.

I was nervous and overwhelmed. Would everything be all right? Would I be a good mother? Will I know what to do? Now he towers over me as a 6-foot-tall young man. He is a high school graduate who is starting his career and is planning to work full-time.  I can’t believe how fast 18 years has gone.

Mary is the Theotokos, the “Mother of God” or the “God-bearer.”  I wonder, especially when she first heard this divine message, if she experienced feelings of inadequacy as well as wonder? It is a responsibility being a mother, much less to God’s own son. I could only imagine the weight of the burden she might have felt.

Yet, it isn’t just that Mary gave birth to Jesus that was important. The Gospel of Luke emphasizes how she is an example of discipleship through her actions.  It was her response to the situation. She heard the words of the angel and responded in obedience.

Mary’s faith and courage shone as bright as the North Star. Her journey was not just a physical one, but a spiritual odyssey that inspired countless generations.

An Ode to Faith

Most of us have heard the story of Mary countless times. It is easy to take it for granted. Yet, Mary’s journey exemplifies the profound strength of faith even in the face of adversity and among its perplexity.

She held steadfast belief in the divine plan. She believed the divine words spoken to her and had faith God would direct and guide her. Her resilience in the midst of uncertainty is a beacon of hope for all who encounter challenges in their own journey.

Going further: Imaginative Prayer

If you feel comfortable, take a moment and try imaginative prayer. This prayer method is where you meet God via your imagination within the Biblical story. The prompts below may help you in this activity, you do not need to use them all. 

Take a moment to slowly read Luke 1: 26-38. To start, take a few breaths and allow yourself to enter into the narrative.

Now we use our imagination within the reading: Who are you in the story? What do you see? What time of day is it? What is the weather like? Describe Gabriel.  What do you sense and feel?

Then, take a few minutes to visualize and describe the scene before you.

Going further, the angel turns to you. He says “Greetings, favored one! May the Lord be with you!” 

How do you feel standing before the angel hearing those words directed at you? How do you respond to this greeting? What is your conversation with the angel?

Maybe you desire a conversation with Mary as well. How does your dialogue with Mary progress?

To close your imaginative prayer, use this time to pray from your heart by asking: What do you desire to say to God?

God of love,
Thank you for the life and witness of your servant,
Mary, mother of our Lord—and for the outpouring of your Spirit on her.
How we marvel at Jesus’ promise that this same Holy Spirit of truth
and comfort comes to us, equipping us to be your servants.

In hope, we pray:
Teach us by your Spirit to pray, “let it be with me according to your word.”
Calm our hearts as we learn pray, “let it be with me according to your word.”
Show us how to say “here am I, your servant,” without pretense, and with a spirit of sacrificial love.
All for the sake of the world you so love.
Amen.

Prayers for God’s Leading: Luke 1:26-38 (calvin.edu)

Feel free to comment and share your thoughts about the Blessed Mary and/or the Scripture.

More information:

Imitating Mary – Thought, Word & Deed (katierea.com)

Getting Out of Our Comfort Zone…Look to Mary – Thought, Word & Deed (katierea.com)

Imaginative Prayer Series: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) – Practice Tribe

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