When discussing the Annunciation, it is customary to praise Mary's faith and obedience -- "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (1:38). But what struck me as I read the account this time was her courage. Mary is tough. First of all, angels must be terrifying. Whenever they show up, they have to tell people not to be afraid (see 1:13 and 1:30). If an angel appeared in my living room, I figure I'd make for the door. But Mary doesn't flee. She stays and receives the most earth-shaking news ever delivered: She is going to be the mother of the "Son of the Most High" (1:32).
She consents, though she must foresee the tremendous hardships her unusual pregnancy will bring -- the rumors and gossip, the misunderstandings and condemnations. She might even be stoned to death for adultery. Though she could not have known the far greater pains she would suffer watching her son die on a cross some 34 years later, she knew that being the mother of God incarnate would not be easy.
But with great courage, Mary says yes to it all, known and unknown. (And remember, she's just a girl, maybe 12 or 15.)
I initially thought to title this post "Faith demands courage," but on reflection I realized that it works both ways -- faith also fosters courage. It is Mary's great faith that gives her the courage to say yes to God and bear his Son for the sake of our salvation.
(Image: El Greco, "The Annunciation," 1570-1575)
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Mary's heart must have been pounding! Not only has Gabriel appeared to her, but his greeting is apparently uncharacteristic: "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you" (1.28). It struck me this time that Mary responds with a hint of curiosity. The archangel Gabriel appears! And instead of being terrified she's "perplexed" (1.29).
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree: Mary was a woman of great courage. She must have at least partially grasped the import of Gabriel's message, and she responds with great bravery, great obedience, and great excitement! She "hurries" to visit her cousin and breaks out into one of the most beautiful songs of praise in Scripture (1.39, 46-56). Her heart was ready.
I will, Lord willing, be on board with this project this year! Very exciting! And I hope we get to work our way through other masterful pieces of art as we go as well.
-Chris-
So glad to have you on board, Chris!
ReplyDeleteI love your comment that Mary's "heart was ready." She was obviously a holy and prayerful woman, and so she was able to respond to God's call not in fear but with joy. Catholics, of course, believe that Mary was without sin, which would make her heart maximally open to God's will. It's a truth that applies to us too: The more we cleave to God and flee from sin, the more prepared we will be to answer God's call in our lives as Mary did.
On an unrelated note, my priest pointed out a couple weeks ago that the journey from Nazareth to Judah was about 90 miles -- no mere afternoon stroll.