December 2005 ~ Mary
Three Christmases ago, Wayne and I developed a Sunday lesson series called “Stories from the Stable.” I recently found myself remembering these lessons and decided to revisit one that I wrote about Mary, beginning with what we find in the gospels.
Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ descent from David, through Joseph, with the virgin birth established in these words: “Now the birth of Jesus took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 1:18) Mark has little to say about Mary, simply that Jesus is “the Son of Mary.” John includes her in the telling of the miracle at the wedding at Cana and, again, at the crucifixion site.
It is in the gospel of Luke that we find Mary most vividly and lovingly presented. She is pictured as a model for every follower, as she allows her life to be transformed through her willingness: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
If we look at what we know of the history of the time in which she lived, we learn that Mary most likely grew up in the Jewish settlement of Nazareth. Nazareth was located in the hills of Galilee, not far from the important caravan routes that linked Egypt and Mesopotamia. The hill climate was dry and healthful and though the land often lacked the water needed for crops to grow, facing uncertainty only seemed to make the people of Galilee more hardworking and close-knit. Struggling for a living only seemed to deepen their faith in God. Few strangers visited the town. It had little to offer in the way of wealth, culture, or learning. Yet, the small town of Nazareth had a rich life of its own. Children were born, young people married, old people died and were buried. Mary knew these joys and sorrows. From the people of Nazareth, Mary learned about life.
I like to imagine what she might have written, if it had been possible for her to write something of her thoughts and feelings. I like to imagine what she might say, if she could speak to us here and now. Obviously we cannot know for sure, but I think it might be something like this.
Affirmation: With an open mind and a willing heart, I receive the gifts of Mary.
jbm
Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ descent from David, through Joseph, with the virgin birth established in these words: “Now the birth of Jesus took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 1:18) Mark has little to say about Mary, simply that Jesus is “the Son of Mary.” John includes her in the telling of the miracle at the wedding at Cana and, again, at the crucifixion site.
It is in the gospel of Luke that we find Mary most vividly and lovingly presented. She is pictured as a model for every follower, as she allows her life to be transformed through her willingness: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
If we look at what we know of the history of the time in which she lived, we learn that Mary most likely grew up in the Jewish settlement of Nazareth. Nazareth was located in the hills of Galilee, not far from the important caravan routes that linked Egypt and Mesopotamia. The hill climate was dry and healthful and though the land often lacked the water needed for crops to grow, facing uncertainty only seemed to make the people of Galilee more hardworking and close-knit. Struggling for a living only seemed to deepen their faith in God. Few strangers visited the town. It had little to offer in the way of wealth, culture, or learning. Yet, the small town of Nazareth had a rich life of its own. Children were born, young people married, old people died and were buried. Mary knew these joys and sorrows. From the people of Nazareth, Mary learned about life.
I like to imagine what she might have written, if it had been possible for her to write something of her thoughts and feelings. I like to imagine what she might say, if she could speak to us here and now. Obviously we cannot know for sure, but I think it might be something like this.
My name is Mary. This is a common name. There are many women named Mary in my village. But even though the name is common, it is also … special. You see, Mary is a form of the name Miriam, and this is a very special name. Miriam was the sister of Moses, our deliverer, our way-shower. We love to hear the stories of how Moses led our people out of bondage long ago. We pray for a new deliverer who will free us from Rome.
As a girl, I lived with my parents in a simple mud-brick house. Like all girls my age, I had chores to do each day. I helped grind the wheat into flour. I helped with the cooking. I learned to weave wool into clothing and, of course, I helped take care of my younger brothers and sisters. I did not mind doing these chores. I knew I was learning what I would need to know when I had a home and family of my own. Out of all these chores, the one I liked best was going to the well for water. While I was there I talked to my friends and heard the news of the village.
My role in life, to be a wife and mother, was determined at my birth and so, when I was about 15 years of age, my parents arranged a marriage for me, as was the custom. I was betrothed to a man named Joseph, a carpenter, who was several years older than I. According to custom, I would continue to live with my parents for a year before going to live in my husband’s house. But something happed that “custom” could not have known or predicted.
On a day that began like any other day, I was sitting at the loom, working the wool into a pattern. Suddenly, a feeling of holy presence came over me. Now, I had felt a reverence for God at other times… sitting in the courtyard of the temple on the Sabbath … walking through the fields at sunset. But this was different. It was as though an angel was present. It was as though a voice was speaking to me, saying, “Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favor. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called Son of the Most High.”
I was mystified and cried out, “How can this come about, since I have not been with a man?”
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.”
Such joy filled my soul! But then, the angelic presence was gone and I was alone with my questions: Who was I to be chosen for such a holy task? What would Joseph say about this news? Would he understand or would he put me away with a writ of divorcement? How would I be received by the people of my village? Would they shame me, or support me? What should I do?
I had a sudden longing to see my favorite cousin, Elizabeth, who was also with child, after long years of being barren. It was a though each of us was experiencing a miracle! Elizabeth welcomed me and I stayed for several weeks. We talked and prayed and when I returned to Nazareth, it was to live with Joseph, as his wife.
Many stories have been told about me, some of them making me what others needed me to be … a humble peasant girl … a woman of divine origin … a temple priestess … the Holy Mother … even a saint! You may choose what you find most helpful from these varying viewpoints. Some satisfy the needs of the mind. Some satisfy the hunger of the heart.
However you choose to think of me, let your telling of my story include my innocence and my obedience to the call of God. Remember me as one who was willing to be used for a holy purpose … a purpose that is yet to be fully understood.
Affirmation: With an open mind and a willing heart, I receive the gifts of Mary.
jbm
