What can anyone say about Mary, Virgin? We don’t really know that much about her from the Bible. Most of the stories come from legends and traditions handed down over the centuries. She was a woman of great courage and faith.
A short summary of her life notes, “Mary the mother of Jesus has been an object of veneration in the church since the apostolic age. She has been a favorite subject in art, music, and literature. Her humility and obedience to the message of God at the time of the Incarnation have made her an example for all ages of Christians…Early in church history she was honored and esteemed. Irenaeus called her the New Eve, Athanasius taught her perpetual virginity, and the Council of Ephesus in 431 declared her Theotokos, Mother of God, because of the hypostatic union of divinity and humanity in the one person Jesus Christ…Mary the Virgin is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Aug. 15.”
The hymn of praise, the Magnificat, which she sang when she met her cousin Elizabeth has been used for centuries to inspire musically. It can also be used as a prayer and reminder that God is greater than earthly appearances.
And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ (Luke 1:46-55)
Today I’d like to share a little story used recently at a women’s event. The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth as seen by one of Elizabeth’s servants can be a reminder that we are always being watched, whether we know it or not.
(For the first time on this blog, I've produced a video!)
What does Mary symbolize to you in your faith journey?
Do you ever think about how your actions are seen by casual observers?
