Word to the Wise
Tuesday, December 20, 2016 -
[Isaiah 7:10-14 and Luke 1:26-38]"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." [Luke]
One of the prayers many of us learn early in life is known as "the Angelus." The gospel scripture for today is the basis for that prayer. In some locations it would be recited three times a day - roughly according to meal times. The church bells ring it out for each of the three verse responses: "The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, etc." The second of the verse responses goes like this, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto to me according to your word....Hail Mary, etc." This daily prayer, a profession of faith in the incarnation of Jesus through the action of the Holy Spirit and the faith of Mary, takes on added significance in the seasons of Advent and Christmas/Epiphany, but one might say that the continued daily recital of The Angelus means a proclamation of Christmas every day!
What may get past us is Mary's statement of acceptance. It would seem a bit too submissive to some and too frightening to others. Later on in the story, Mary speaks in "the Magnificat": "The Almighty has done great things for me" but in her case and in Joseph's, the angel had to tell them, "Do not be afraid." Discernment of God's plan and our role in it, individually or collectively, requires wisdom and courage. What did Mary and Joseph have that we, too, have (or don't have, or don't know we have)? They had faith and confidence in God despite their fears. When we look at the manger scene, and admire/adore the child, I hope we don't ignore his Mom and Dad and all that this event meant for them, and because of them, for us. AMEN
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