Yesterday we celebrated Mothers Day, a sentimental day.  There were warm and happy memories, but there was also longing for those no longer with us.  We were reminded of our own motherhood, some with gratitude, some with pain at what might have been.

I was reminded of Mary, the mother of our Lord.  Luke’s account of the story of the Annunciation to Mary gives us a window through which to appreciate this remarkable young woman. In her interactions with Gabriel and Elisabeth, we see a young woman trying to grasp and understand her unique call from God. The magnitude of that call must have weighed heavily upon someone so young,  yet she readily submitted her will to that of the Father. Her story reminds us that God is aware of all of His children and that He calls ordinary men and women to participate in extraordinary ways. She became Jesus’s first disciple.  She is a model for all of us who choose to follow Him.

Perhaps our deepest understanding of Mary comes through her own words in the Magnificat, the words spoken to her cousin Elizabeth.   “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on His humble servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed, the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name.” 

As the Magnificat continues Mary shows more understanding and wisdom than we would expect from this young girl.  “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.”

I hope you’ll read Luke 1:46-55, Mary’s Song of Praise.  We sense that Mary deeply felt God’s unconditional love for her.  Remember his love for you is also just that, unconditional.

Judy