My dear parishioners, challenged in ways unimaginable in ordinary human experience, Mary of Nazareth calmly informed the archangel Gabriel of her consent to be the mother of God’s son. Her “yes” (Lat. fiat) to Gabriel is as resolute as the angel’s own service to God. Doubtless, her maternal life would be punctuated by great changes, even sorrow: “and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” [Lk 2:35] Yet Mary freely accepts pregnancy and motherhood in service of God who created her. Her definitive response to Gabriel’s announcement—actually an act of homage to God—echoes in our ears to this day: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” [Lk 1:38] These breathtaking words moved the whole of mankind—past, present and future—closer to God. To this day, Mary’s iconic surrender remains unsurpassed as a model of humility. Trusting God totally, she unhesitatingly welcomed the Holy Spirit as her divine spouse. Consider the good Joseph, Mary’s husband, who named her child, the son he adopted. Matthew's gospel reveals marvelous instances when angels visited the carpenter in the stillness of night. “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife (Mary), but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.” [Mt1:24-25] As to whether Mary told Joseph (or anyone) of the Holy Spirit’s overshadowing and her conception, the gospel accounts suggest that she remained largely silent on these and other matters. Luke’s gospel tells of Mary’s reaction to the astonished shepherds of Bethlehem: “Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” [Lk 2:19] And again, on discovering her missing twelve-year-old son in Jerusalem’s temple engaging the Jewish scholars, “His mother kept all these things in her heart.” [Lk 2:51] In any event, Mary’s pregnancy became widely known before she and Joseph lived together. Mary’s explanation—or lack of it—distressed Joseph greatly. Overwhelmed by the apparently scandalous situation engulfing him, “Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put (Mary) to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly” [Mt 1:19] God directs his angels to come to Joseph’s aid. In a dream, an angel reassures Joseph that Mary's pregnancy is God's own incomparable gift of his divine son to the world. The angelic message could not be more clear: Do not be afraid. Take up Mary as your wife. The child is divine. He will rescue his people from their sins. Joseph's humble assent to God’s will signifies the end of anxiety and dread. Everyone in Israel must know who will deliver them: Jesus of Nazareth. Where the power of fear is broken, the praise of God flourishes. Joseph's obedience complements Mary's own. Both glorify God for bestowing mercy on his people. That Mary conceives a son and Joseph names him has far-reaching significance. Hostility’s sinister reign has come to an end. The little child is destined to lead Israel [cf Isa 11:6], to give God’s people “one heart, and put a new spirit within them”. [Ezek 11:19] Mary and Joseph remain central to the Church’s perennial proclamation. God’s divine mercy seeks a home in the hearts of humble and faithful people. Is your heart prepared to hear God’s voice? How dependable is your “yes” to God? Do you put his will into practice? What mighty work does God want you to accomplish? Is the name Jesus Christ always on your lips? The angels and saints of God are in our midst. If I give my all to Christ, holy Mary and Joseph intercede for me. If I have not, holy Mary and Joseph intercede for me! My dear friends, I give you the joy of our savior’s birth. Sincerely in the peaceful, joyful and righteous hearts of Jesus and Mary. Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker. +++
My dear parishioners, challenged in ways unimaginable in ordinary human experience, Mary of Nazareth calmly informed the archangel Gabriel of her consent to be the mother of God’s son. Her “yes” (Lat. fiat) to Gabriel is as resolute as the angel’s own service to God. Doubtless, her maternal life would be punctuated by great changes, even sorrow: “and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” [Lk 2:35] Yet Mary freely accepts pregnancy and motherhood in service of God who created her.