May it be unto to me as you have said.

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 24 December 2004 13:25:22

Something about Mary (not the film, obviously) seems appropriate for this morning's entry. My husband used to live in Mexico where she is idolised, and worshipped as the Queen of Heaven. He was speaking about that yesterday. Made me think of the things we admire in the girl who was chosen to become Jesus' mum.
In many of the sermons and reflections I've heard this year, it has been her unquestioning obedience that has been admired. "I am the Lord's handmaiden, may it be unto me as you have said." It's impressive stuff, but maybe I am an old cynic. Given the choice of being the mother of the Messiah (and I don't think she realised how much heartache that would entail, certainly until she heard the prophecy of Anna in the temple), or some of the other burdens that people are asked to bear every day - I guess I'd go with the baby every time.
If the Angel of the Lord appeared to me tomorrow morning and said that I had to give up my health, or my sanity, or my comfy western life - would I be able to say "I am the Lord's handmaiden, may it be unto me as you have said"? I'm thinking probably not, honestly, at the moment - but maybe I had better work towards unquestioning obedience, whatever the cost. Not a cheery Christmas thought, I know. Maybe I'll have some of them tomorrow.