Readings: Mic. 5:1-4; Heb. 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45
The Sinless and Most Humble Woman
1. Who is the greatest? Is it the wealthiest person in the world? Or the most influential person? Could it be the person who boasts about himself and his riches? Jesus addressed his disciples on who the greatest is: “Let the greatest among you be as the youngest and the leader as the servant.” He asked them: “Who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves.” (Lk. 22:26-28). As we come to the end of the Advent season and begin the solemn preparation for the birth of Christ, I want to look at the humility of the Blessed Mother, Mary. After the fall, God’s love for humanity and his desire to enter a deeper relationship with us chose the sinless Mary to be the mother of his Son. Mary said ‘Yes’ to God. Yet Mary did not see herself as the queen of the universe, but the Handmaid of the Lord. “I am the Handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word”, she said. The angel also informed the Blessed Mother that her cousin, Elizabeth was with child. She was elderly and long past the child-bearing age. Nothing is impossible for God. When Mary heard that message, she thought of nothing else than going to be with her.
2. Mary, who just heard that she was to be the mother of God, the king of the universe, did not think of herself but her cousin. She went to share her joy and look after her for a few months before the birth of John the Baptist. Mary is indeed the greatest. She is not only sinless but humble. Little wonder why Jesus chose to be a servant leader! He took after her mother in service and greatness. How often do we see Mary as the blessed one, the chosen one, the one who should be adored and even worshipped! But Mary debunked our wrong notion of her. To the greeting of Elizabeth, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” Mary’s reply was: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; For he has looked upon his Handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Mary attributed no greatness to herself; it was not by her achievement but due to God’s mercy and graciousness. God looked down on her with compassion and chose her to the position of greatness. She could only be grateful to God and believe and trust in God’s promises; she had to devote her life to God, listen to God, and ponder his mercy and love. Mary did not want us to have a wrong and misplaced adoration of her; she points the way to her son, always. “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn. 2:5) is always her command to us. Mary’s greatness lies in her humility and service.
3. As we celebrate the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth on this 4th Sunday of Advent, we know that Christmas is here. When the Blessed Mother Mary visited Elizabeth, her cousin, she brought Christmas to her family. She shared the love of God with them and shared her time and her labor of love with her elderly cousin. Mary shows us why Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year. She invites us to share what we have with the people around us.
4. When John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Lk. 7:19). Jesus did not tell them that he was the Christ; instead, he said, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”(Lk.7:22). In my opinion, this is what Christmas is all about. Like Mary and Jesus Christ, we are to bring solace to the life of the people around us. Christ sent John’s disciples back to tell John what they had seen and heard. It is about being there for people who are in need. To assist them the best we can and bring a change into their lives.
5. This is what we must do. As we visit families and friends, we must bring good tidings to them. We must go to them with love and be prepared to share what we have with them. If there is a misunderstanding and dispute, we must bring about healing. If people are in need, we must share what we have, no matter how small. We can even bring along with us some labor of love, life cleaning the house, doing laundry and dishes, or maybe do some cooking and serving too. We can share our joy and laughter with them. Praying with our family and friends and encouraging them to go back to Church may be all that they need at this time. In your gift-giving, think of what will bring a difference to their lives and not just give anything, but let it be something durable, like a bible or rosary. You may even spend some time with someone lonely and pray with them. May Mary, our mother, show us how to celebrate Christmas through our labor of love. Amen.
Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
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