In the Nativity story, we know that there are only a select number of characters that are involved in the story. We have shepherds, we have angels, we have Magi, and all sorts of characters that are involved. Yet, as we consider the relationship that each of these had, specifically to Jesus Christ Himself, then we understand a great deal of the story. Yet, it would seem that there is one that defines all of the rest- and that is the relationship of Mary to her Son Jesus. We know about how her role was prepared for her from the very beginning of the world, in the Immaculate Conception. We are aware of how the angel Gabriel came to her in the Annunciation, and how that was a moment of profound glory where Mary had it announced to her just how important a role she was to have in all of salvation history.
Yet, none of this is truly possible without her being crowned as the Mother of God. This particular title is something that might seem rather obvious on the surface, and yet if we truly understand and consider how powerful this title is to Mary, then we might miss out on some part of the beauty of what God has done in Mary, but also the special relationship that she takes in being near to each and every one of us.
As we begin the series of readings for this special Holy Day, we begin in one that might seem that would have little to nothing to do with Mary at all. This reading is a passage from the book of Numbers, and it is taken from a very specific encounter that is known as the Aaronic blessing. This specific blessing was a moment in the life of the Israelite community where the Lord commissions the priests along with Aaron to give a blessing to the entire Israelite community. “The Lord bless and keep you. The Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” The text of this entire blessing isn’t just something that sounds good, though, but it is something that is meant to give powerful grace and blessing to the Israelite community. It isn’t enough for them to just be given this specific and beautifully worded prayer is to give the Israelites an outpouring of God’s favor. This is no accident that God is giving them this blessing, but it is rather a deliberate outpouring of God’s grace and every blessing. This is a powerful moment- and yet, an outpouring that is even more powerful, and perhaps even more persistent is coming, and will be coming soon.
The Second Reading is taken from Saint Paul and his second Letter to the Galatians. This specific address gives the Galatians the assurance that Saint Paul sees in their ability to relate to God as their Father. This is powerfully shown in the Incarnation of His Son, but notice: Mary is also mentioned. The Son of God doesn’t just float down from heaven, but is instead sent through Mary. This gives us a glimpse at her role- and in a very humble way as well. It is not presumptuous but rather shows the humility that Mary had in her docility towards God, as well as in God’s own approach to humanity through a woman, in the same way that each of us enter into the world. Yet, it gives us a particular view of how we are called into that same spirit of adoption- and how we can cry out “Abba, Father!” We do so because of the Son, and we also celebrate how Mary was adopted into her own special role in bringing about our Savior, by participation in God’s divine plan!
Finally, we arrive at the Gospel according to Luke, and we are given a very intentional view of how Mary was involved in the Incarnation, specifically in the story and the narrative of the Nativity. We are told this story about how the shepherds have found the infant, in exactly the way that it had been told them that they would find the child. They had all of these angels and angel choirs appearing to them and telling them this good news, and then eventually they find things exactly as it had been said that they would find them! Imagine being in Mary or Joseph’s own shoes for this occasion. All of these strange and rather odd occurrences are suddenly happening in such haste, that one would have to wonder at what exactly is happening with this child! Yet, nonetheless, Luke sees it as imperative to tell us: Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Whenever it came to everything that was happening, she chose not to be overwhelmed, but instead looked upon the mysteries that were unfolding with a great sense of awe and reverence. She reflected upon what God was doing in a very powerful way.
Perhaps, my brothers and sisters, that is a good place for us to stop and to reflect. Mary has been given a very powerful role in being an instrument of God’s through which He sent His Son. This is something that required Mary’s own participation and cooperation, and yet nonetheless she chose to do this. Yet, it is that way in each of our lives as well. True, we aren’t necessarily involved in salvation history in the same way that Mary was, but rather, we are given our own role in proclaiming the coming of Christ. We are telling the Good News of the Incarnation, but in a way that only we are called to tell it. We should be willing to commit to this with our hearts and our souls, especially in recognizing how God has called us, adopted us, and continues to show His face upon us, through the Incarnation, and through Mary who continues to act as an instrument of His that distributes His abundant graces.
Mary is not one figure amongst many in the Nativity. She is one who shows us how to participate in these same mysteries in the very same way that she did so long ago. May we too reflect upon God’s work in our hearts and souls, and in our very lives, and approach them with reverence and reflection, also recognizing the way that God wants to be made present to the world and to those around us in each other.
