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Dec. 16: Learning from Mary’s strength and patience
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DEVOTIONAL:
I can’t imagine what Mary would have felt when she received Gabriel’s message that she would be the mother of Jesus. Mary found herself in circumstances she could not explain. The social ramifications of her pregnancy were daunting, and she must have experienced moments of fear and uncertainty. Part of me likes to think that Mary didn’t accept Gabriel’s message as easily as Luke portrays — that she tried to rationalize with Gabriel, or was even angry with God.
What is so striking about Mary in this story is the way she responded to her situation. Mary chose to glorify God for the gift of a child. Mary is often depicted as being one-dimensional – she is quiet, meek, and acquiescent. However, I think she is a powerful character that warrants our attention; I prefer to think that Mary’s serene responses to Gabriel indicate deep strength rather than mere submission.
Mary is a powerful example of faith. Often, like Mary, we find ourselves in circumstances we did not choose. As Christians our powerful witness to the world lies in how we choose to react to situations. This posture of grace, perseverance and joy in the face of difficulty does not come easily — it comes from unwavering faith in God, and it must be practiced.
Mary is also an example of patience. Advent is a time of waiting as we anticipate the coming of Christ. Mary, perhaps more than anyone, knows what it means to wait, as she spent nine months anticipating the birth of Jesus. Like Mary, we wait for clarity in our difficult situations and anticipate the hope and joy that Jesus brings to our lives.
Peace to you as you wait.
I like your reflection – Mary was quite a woman! I think another time she shows her strength is that she “stands” at the foot of the cross.
Posted by Sr. Karen Flaherty, on December 16th, 2011 at 7:03 amThank you Jessica! Your perspective on Mary is interesting and enlightening. It is also beautifully written. Thank you again, Chris
Posted by Chris Baker, on December 16th, 2011 at 7:42 amThank-you Jessica! I appreciate how you reminds us to show grace, perseverance and even joy in difficult situations!
Posted by Vicky Kirkton, on December 16th, 2011 at 8:08 amThank you for your words Jess! Nicely done.
Posted by Brenda Shelly, on December 16th, 2011 at 8:56 amYou captured Mary’s strength and faith, Jessica. Blessings during this Holy Time.
Posted by Ruth Yoder, on December 16th, 2011 at 9:26 amI agree, Jess. Mary is a powerful woman! Thanks.
Posted by Firman Gingerich, on December 16th, 2011 at 9:55 amThank you, Jessica. Mary is powerful because of God’s faith in her. And, can you imagine? She is our own dearest mother.
Posted by Mervyn Carapiet, on December 16th, 2011 at 10:19 amMervyn Carapiet
Beautifully written! Your understanding of Mary’s character is insightful and inspiring.
Posted by Theresa Garbe, on December 16th, 2011 at 10:30 amWhat lovely insight you have brought into this passage of the Annunciation! I think, too, that Mary’s response
Posted by Loretta Yoder Ostojic, on December 16th, 2011 at 10:53 ammay show evidence of hidden strength. I like the way you related that to our own lives and challenged us.
Blessings to you this Christmas season!
I love your unique take on Mary. Before, I had never considered how we view Mary as submissive and meek, when really she showed amazing strength in responding with such faith to God’s call. And to think that she was probably a teenager makes it even more impressive.
Posted by Elizabeth S.O., on December 16th, 2011 at 10:57 amYou have communicated your thoughts with excellence! Thanks for giving to me new and deeper insight into the young woman Mary was, also how her response can apply to how I respond to challenges. Blessings to you this Christmas, Margie Keiser
Posted by Margie Keiser, on December 16th, 2011 at 11:40 amI appreciated your insights on Mary. I wonder if we have too long underestimated her role in the salvation story. Thank you for sharing these words.
Posted by Martha Helmuth, on December 16th, 2011 at 12:43 pmJessica Gotwals’ message was PERFECT for me. Thank you.
Posted by Mary Mendenhall, on December 16th, 2011 at 1:02 pmThank you, Jessica. Your beautiful words and thoughts inspire and strike home. I believe Mary’s strength, faith and humanity is also shown at the Marriage Feast of Cana and her leadership in a house church.
Posted by marjorie, on December 16th, 2011 at 1:06 pmThank you for your insights into Mary, they speak to my soul. She was an incredible woman of faith, God’s chosen one.
Posted by Lorene, on December 16th, 2011 at 1:22 pmWhat courage it must have taken. Mary was a scholar, an expert at study of the scriptures. What courage to learn she was to become a key part of them.
Posted by Marianne, on December 16th, 2011 at 11:46 pm