There are a few things for which I have a penchant…nice pens that really write well and calendars …to name a few. I seem to be perpetually looking for both. There must be a perfect pen and a perfect planner/calendar. Not sure if the monks who created some of the most incredible illuminations of the Gospels found that pen – but the Church’s Gregorian calendar sure has come close to being a great planner. Why? It’s Nine Months until Christmas everybody!! But, Don’t tell Wal-Mart, Target or Amazon!
March 25 – nine months until Christmas. Today is the Feast of the Annunciation.(Luke 1:26-38). How about that! This year, right in the middle of our Lent, is a prequel, the beginning of the Christmas story. How can this celebration of the Annunciation encourage our Lent Journey?
First, the choice was real. Mary made a real choice. She was not forced into a Divine corner or bullied by an angel. As some vulgar non-believers have suggested, Mary was not raped by God. (Have mercy!) Mary said yes to God. She said yes to the fullness of God. Taking in His very incarnate self. Bringing Him forth and following Him – even to His cross. That is where we are journeying…so, we are in great company.
Second, on that cross it was real. Just as Jesus became the Word made Flesh and God among us through the Incarnation, so at the cross, that real human and real divine Messiah was crucified and died. He really died. It was not fake news…what looked lost at the cross was Good News. The dead savior had done everything for which He was sent. At the foot of the cross was a women named Mary, who had done all she had promised. But she would continue to do more.
Mary would be with the infant Church…born at the cross. Mary would hear that her Son was risen. Mary would be in the upper room when the Holy Spirit, the promised advocate came. And Mary is now on the calendar with us… to remind us what comes with true discipleship.
Nine Months ‘til Christmas. Say Yes.
