The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
Pope Saint John Paul II dedicated his papacy under the epigram, Totus Tuus. Anticipating the second millennium since the birth of Jesus, he called for a Holy Year in 1987 as a year of reflection on the Immaculate Conception and Nativity of Mary. He addressed his encyclical Redemptoris Mater to all Christians, reminding them of Mary's unique names -- Kecharitomene and Theotokos-- and her vocation as the Mother of God.
But she was greatly troubled at what was saidand pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
No one had ever been addressed by God in such a way, and she was understandably troubled. What could it mean for her, her family, her betrothal to Joseph, and the children who might be born of this couple? It was clearly a name like that of Abraham, Sarah, and John (the Baptist) which would change everything, even the history of the world. As the angelic conversation continued she learned the name she should give her firstborn son, Jesus.
The story must remind us of our identity before the God who names us at our Baptism. Our parents and family chose our baptismal names! Usually, these words were chosen with great care and mean something.
Mary's name was more than just a word to identify her among others; it was also a commission from the Lord. As the Most Blessed among Women and the Mother of God she would become the Mother of the Church. In fact that mission was given to her on Calvary; as she gave her Firstborn Son to God she beheld her son, the Beloved Disciple. We recognize in that moment the birth of the Church by the flood of Blood and Water which flowed from his wounded side.
“You will soon persuade me to play the Christian.”Paul replied, “I would pray to God that sooner or later not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am except -- for these chains.”
"...making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
The story of Mary reminds us that our names and missions are not arbitrarily chosen; we have a purpose.
Recently, I remembered a peculiar expression from the 1990's, "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!" In the Saturday Night Live persona of "Stuart Smalley," Al Franken expressed the bewilderment of a generation of uncertain young people.
I was ordained by then; had passed through the initial crises of personal identity as a Franciscan priest; and understood Franken's humor. But, was being liked by some people the best anyone could hope for? It's not much of an identity, nor does it suggest one's purpose in life.
Thirty years later, identity, purpose, and mission are fighting words in the United States; and people pretend to be greatly offended if anyone fails to acknowledge and respect their plastic identities. In some states offenders can be prosecuted for ignoring the civil rights of bizarre identities. But we've seen 'em come; and we've seen 'em go. Does anyone remember multiple personalities? That was the thing for a while. And Goth. I can't help it if I'm goth! I heard one teenager complain.
Christ the Anointed One remains, as does Kecharitomene, Theotokos, and Christian. We know who we are and to whom we belong.
