Since Advent is short this year, and the Fourth Sunday is also Christmas Eve, it is especially appropriate that the Gospel focuses on the Virgin Mary. The Gospel from Luke 1:26-38 recounts the Annunciation of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. To prepare for and appreciate Christmas, it is good to contemplate the message of Gabriel and the response of Mary. The angel brings Mary divine greetings and addresses her as favored one (in Greek "highly-graced"; in Latin, "full of grace."). He assures her that God is with her. Understandably, Mary is troubled, somewhat fearful, and has questions. Gabriel provides her with a general explanation of her calling within the divine plan, and Mary responds humbly and faithfully. In faith she accepts her calling to participate in the divine plan for salvation. She prepares the way of the Lord in a unique way.
Luther and his followers did reject some exaggerated medieval ideas about the Virgin Mary, but unlike some later Protestants, they maintained a healthy biblical view of her role. Luther had great respect for Mary as the "God-bearer," the mother of the Lord. God was with her, she was blessed among women, and she deserved to be called blessed by all generations.
Today, we give thanks for Mary's faith in God throughout her life and for her humble acceptance of her role in the Savior's life. Although our situations are certainly different from hers, through grace, may we also respond to God's work in Christ with similar faith and humility!
No comments:
Post a Comment