DO NOT BE AFRAID
The Annunciation is an account of wonder and faith that draws us into awe and, if we are honest, at times, doubt.
It is the story of a young woman who, when faced with an impossible situation, particularly given the era in which she lived, did not question what her future held. In my imagination, fueled by artwork of the Annunciation over the centuries, I can see the room, the angel, and Mary.
Mary’s acceptance of what God was asking of her was exceptional. She was being called to carry and give birth to the long-awaited Messiah. She could not foresee what was to come, including deep heartaches. Jan Richardson, in her poem, Gabriel’s Annunciation, recognizes this:
For a moment
I hesitated
on the threshold.
For the space
of a breath
I paused,
unwilling to disturb
her last ordinary moment,
knowing that the next step
would cleave her life:
that this day
would slice her story
in two,
dividing all the days before
from all the ones
to come.
Mary is often portrayed as a meek woman. It is common to see statues and paintings of her with downcast eyes. I do not share that characterization of her. Denise Levercov, in her poem, Annunciation, writes: …we are told of meek obedience. No one mentions courage. Called to a destiny more momentous than any in all of time, she did not quail, only asked a simple, ‘How can this be?’
Mary knew that she had been invited to participate in a mystery of great significance. She acted with the strength of someone confident and trusting. Without her consent, her willingness to co-create with God, the Incarnation would have been different. Her courage to accept what God was asking created a seismic shift in the world.
As I reflect on this event, I am aware that every woman who chooses motherhood, whether by birth or adoption, is a co-creator with God. It takes courage to raise a child; courage to love unconditionally, patiently guide and at some point, step aside and let that child go. Mary lived this reality and while we do not have many details, we can imagine she did it with profound grace. A model for each of us.
What might God be calling you to this Lent? Do you have the confidence and trust as well as the courage to explore God’s invitation?
Anne Hansen