Among the influential names of world history are the founders of the great religions. Unique among them is the role played by Mary in the foundation of Christianity. In none of the other religions is an ordinary woman asked to play such an important role. In the mystery of the incarnation, the Lord empties himself of His glory to become a human being. Before this happens, through the angel’s message to Mary, God asks humanity’s permission for this to come about. Mary is highly favored; she will conceive a son called Jesus who will take over the throne of David and rule without end.
If God asks Mary’s permission to enter our world in the person of her son Jesus, this humble request is a sign of how the new creation will work. The Lord will continue to make humble requests to His followers, and Mary will be for ever the model of how to respond. Jesus offers himself as gift to us in so many ways: in His word, which we ponder through the scriptures; through the sacraments, which continue His living presence among us; and thorough the loving fellowship we share as we gather in His name. Each age has its particular challenges. In our day we are asked to come up with creative answers that link our belief to the world that surrounds us, whether it be in the realm of science, the arts, politics or thought. Sometimes our knee-jerk response will be to say “noâ€. Like other human beings we are comfortable with what we know and like. We are asked to be like Mary and find a way to say “yes†and so continue to give birth to the new creation brought to us through her Son. It will always challenge us, spiritually, morally, even physically at times. Let us pray for the courage to be inspired by Mary to say “yes” to the world we are asked to share in transforming.