Lectionary #194
"Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins."
Among the many beauties of the Christmas Season is the profound respect which the Lord of Heaven and Earth shows to his faithful people. This is not the typical behavior of the powerful. Tyrants get their way; they don't ask, explain or apologize. They command.
But the Infancy Narratives of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke describe a humble sovereign who regards his faithful with reverence. In both stories, the first word is reassurance, "Do not be afraid."
And, it seems, neither subject is afraid. Joseph's dream is not a nightmare, though he will have one after the magi appear. Mary is alarmed for a moment by the spectacular appearance of Saint Gabriel, but she is immediately reassured by his word; so much so that she can ask a question, "How can this be since I do not know man?"
God does not force or threaten his faithful people, nor does he use them against their will. Rather, as Jesus will say in John 15, 13
"I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father."As appalling as it seems, or did seem at one time, people rent one another's bodies for the purpose of reproduction. Of course, prostitution has been around forever; but today wealthy people, married or single, can hire a young woman to bear their child. She will be paid the market price for her inconvenience.
This is not God's way when he sends his only begotten Son to our world. Mary is the willing spouse of the Holy Spirit with all its rank and privilege -- including that of suffering with her Crucified Son. She is the daughter of the Father and Mother of God. Freely she gives of herself -- not just her body for nine months -- but of herself for her lifetime and all eternity. Freely also, Joseph takes Mary into his home and protects her, her reputation and her son. So long as he will lives they are safe in his presence.
Neither will ever forget God's deep reverence for them and his reassurance, "Do not be afraid."
Joseph and Mary are the first disciples, the ur-disciples of the Gospel. Matthew and Luke offer their stories to us as ideal, beautiful examples of fidelity.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.