Did Mary have insight before Jesus was born? Paul was looking back when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. Today’s passage discusses traits and attitudes of Jesus and therefore what Jesus-followers are to look like. Mary could not see Jesus’ example then but she affirms them in her actions, words, and in her acceptance of the responsibility put before her by the angel.
She must have looked at the example of the Old Testament heroes and prophets and then somehow, Mary took the message she received from the angel with grace. Learning you are going to be an unwed mother with no prospects if her fiancé rejects her hardly seems to provide encouragement or comfort. Her response indicates comfort was not her goal. Her intent was to do and follow God’s will. Her actions epitomize the opposite of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Mary had depth in her relationship with God even at a young age.
The church today can be an amazing place when it looks to the interests of others. Our personal lives can transmit the message of Christ when we look to the interests of others. The question is how do we and how did Mary put on this mindset of humility and compassion? It is certainly not a western trait, but the directive from Paul’s letter is there to work on it.
For us, we additionally have the example of Christ and His selfless love and action, and in that example we have a beginning. Mary trusted God’s message that the person of the message would bring hope and salvation. We have that same opportunity in our neighborhoods and families to be that example as well. Let’s use our hearts, minds and actions to acknowledge Jesus’ work and humility to bring His hope to our communities. Oh for the day when “every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
For Reflection:
- How can you exercise, in a tangible way this week, putting others first?
by David Bier
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