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 about 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 end 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 Virgin 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 as 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 but being with her.
2.
Mary
did not dwell on her glory. Instead, she immediately thought of her cousin and
went to share her joy and look after her for a few months before the birth of
John the Baptist. Mary’s selflessness is truly inspiring. She
is not only sinless but also humble. Unsurprisingly, Jesus, our servant
leader, took after her in service and greatness. How often do we see Mary as
the blessed one, the chosen one, and the one who should be adored and even
worshipped? But Mary debunked our wrong notion of her. When Elizabeth greeted
her, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb,”
Mary replied, “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 did not see herself as
great, not because of her achievements but because of God’s mercy and
graciousness. God looked down on her with compassion and chose her for
greatness. She was grateful to God and believed and trusted in God’s promises.
She devoted her life to God, listened to God, and pondered God’s mercy and
love. Mary always points the way to her son. “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn.
2:5) is her command to us. Mary’s greatness lies in her humility and service.
3.
As
we celebrate Mary’s visit to Elizabeth on this fourth 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 not just the news of
her pregnancy, but also the love of God and her own joy. 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, to bring joy and love to their lives, and to
embody the true spirit of Christmas.
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, her son, we are to bring solace to the lives
of the people around us. Christ sent John’s disciples back to tell him what
they had seen and heard. It is about being there for people who are in need. We
aim 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 share what we have with them.
If there is 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
bring with us some labor of love, like cleaning the house, doing laundry and
dishes, or cooking and serving too. We can share our joy and laughter with
them. Praying with our family and friends and encouraging them to return to
Church may be all they need now. In your gift-giving, think of what will make a
difference in their lives; not just give anything, but let it be something
durable, something that counts, like a bible, a Missal, or a rosary. You may
even spend some time with someone lonely and pray with them. These are all
practical ways to embody Mary’s humility and service daily. May Mary, our
mother, show us how to celebrate Christmas through our labor of love. Amen.
6. Hail Mary, Gentle Woman: Gentle woman, quiet light, morning star, so strong and bright, gentle mother, peaceful dove, teach us wisdom; teach us love……
Rev.
Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
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