We’ve been lighting the Advent candles week by week, and so far we’ve remembered the patriarchs, the prophets, and John the Baptist. It’s about time we added a female to the pack! This week we’ve not only got Mary, but also her cousin Elizabeth - both expecting to be mothers for the first time. Everything is new.
Mary’s relationship with God is spelled out in a way which teaches us a lot about both Mary and God. In a society of patriarchal attitudes, Mary would be used to being told what to do, expected to be obedient. But God didn’t command Mary to do his will in an authoritarian way. He sent the angel Gabriel to her, who reassured her and brought the message, telling her how important her son would be. Mary humbly agreed.
‘‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” she said. Mary was a willing participant. It’s an important aspect of faith. Her words demonstrate the awe and trust Mary had in God. What was being asked of her would have a massive impact on her life, not only causing raised eyebrows and a rift between her and Joseph, but also in the physical and practical issues which would arise.
How could Mary be sure that the angel was indeed a messenger from God, and not a product of her own imagination?
God always sends affirmation, and often does this through another human being. The angel told her that her relative Elizabeth, a childless lady getting on in years, was 6 months pregnant. “For nothing will be impossible with God,” Gabriel said. And when Mary went to see Elizabeth, the child leapt in her cousin’s womb as soon as she heard Mary’s voice, she was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she cried out words of affirmation to Mary. Mary responded with the marvellous words of the Magnificat. Clearly she was feeling blessed by God, which is affirmation in itself.
It’s hard to describe the feeling of joy and peace that God gives us in our hearts from time to time when we are carrying out his will in our lives, when we have not only said ‘yes’ but we’re following it through into active service - service which always be for the good. God will never ask us to harm another human being.
Sometimes we may wonder whether we’re still on the right track, or whether others have diverted us for whatever reason. It’s important not to neglect regular times of prayer. After all, God is always there waiting for us to turn up, the least we can do is to make the effort to draw near to him in prayer each day. The Holy Spirit guides us, helping us through our periods of doubt.
Being humble before God is not easy, nor is saying ‘yes’ to a calling.
It’s harder still for those who are used to having others serve them, people who are rich or powerful or in positions of senior management for example. I’ve been a witness to this struggle in someone. He did eventually yield to God’s calling, and lives now in his service. As Mary said: “ He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.”
This doesn’t only apply to other people. Faith doesn’t stand on its own. It compels us into service - all of us, whoever we are. Are we willing participants? Do we love and trust in God enough to say: “Let it be with me according to your word”?
Amen.
Julie Rubidge, Lay Minister