Our Lady

I don't know about you, but I always find myself pondering the heart of Mary, our Blessed Mother, at Christmas time. There are about a thousand other occasions on which such meditation would be due, but especially now, as the birth of the Savior approaches, and as I await the birth of my child, She is constantly on my mind.

I was listening to a talk given by a priest the other day who said that "the church should be Mary". Maybe I am a little slow, but I really didn't understand what he was getting at, until he went on to say that Mary is the blueprint for the bride of Christ. She was chosen to bear the Son of God...in her body. Can you even imagine?? Her "yes", her fiat was so complete that the Holy Spirit conceived the life of God inside of her. This is exactly what we, as Christians are called to. That's what The Body of Christ is called to do.

Most of us have probably read this scripture time and time again, but honestly, it's the Word of God...it is never going to get old. :) This is after the angel Gabriel has announced to Mary that she will give birth to the Christ child. She replies, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be done to me as you have said". (Keep in mind this calling that God has given would be intense public humilitation for a young, unmarried girl. It could have even resulted in her execution.) Mary then travels to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, and little baby John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth's womb upon hearing Mary's voice...he already knows that she bears the life of God within her.

And yet, this is her response to God. What is mine? This is Mary's song. This is our song.

Luke 1:46-55

46And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord

47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."