Today is the 4th #SundayMorning of #Advent. The traditional reading for this day comes from Luke 1, the prophetic sermon of the pregnant Mary regarding Jesus.
I grew up Methodist, so, other than at Christmastime, we didn't pay much attention to Mary. That was, back in those days, something that Catholics did. (And I was a little girl just as Vatican II met--things were very different btwn Prots & RCs then.)
So I didn't know this sermon.
Although some people refer to it as a "song," it really is an extemporaneous sermon. Because Mary preaches -- she brings it!
Although some people refer to it as a "song," it really is an extemporaneous sermon. Because Mary preaches -- she brings it!
We've got a lot of romanticized notions about Mary. But, this morning, try to lay those aside this morning. Think of who she really was. A poor, young Jewish girl (around 14), part of an oppressed religious and political minority at the edge of the Roman Empire.
We think of her as "Queen of Heaven," or the beautiful figurine wrapped in a blue cloak in the manger.
But think of her in rags. Rough sandals. Unwashed. Exhausted from toil, even at this young age.
But think of her in rags. Rough sandals. Unwashed. Exhausted from toil, even at this young age.
Her only hope is to marry someone decent enough that she might have a room for her own family and there might be food to feed them all -- and to worship their God in peace.
(Most "houses" a this time were about 10x10 -- an entire family would live & do business there.)
(Most "houses" a this time were about 10x10 -- an entire family would live & do business there.)
The closest historical parallel that most Americans can imagine is the life of a 19th century enslaved black girl.
So, it is this girl who shows up pregnant.
Not surprisingly, many people think that one of the overlords (in this case, a Roman soldier) assaulted her and the baby she carries is a result of the attack.
This is a seriously intense situation.
Mary sticks by the story that this is God's child.
This is a seriously intense situation.
Mary sticks by the story that this is God's child.
But she does retreat to her relatives' house. Leaving town is not terribly unusual for a pregnant girl in difficult circumstances.
Mary's kinswoman, Elizabeth, welcomes her saying,"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?"
And the baby Elizabeth is carrying -- John the Baptizer -- leaps in her womb.
And the baby Elizabeth is carrying -- John the Baptizer -- leaps in her womb.
Remember -- these are poor women, suffering under political and religious oppression, marginal in every way. One pregnant, rumored to be so because of a rape.
And her kinswoman welcomes her. Brings Mary, who is at the very edge of being an outcast, into her home.
And her kinswoman welcomes her. Brings Mary, who is at the very edge of being an outcast, into her home.
Elizabeth calls this woman "the mother of my Lord."
It is a breathtaking story of female solidarity. Of the power of hospitality. Of resistance.
It is a breathtaking story of female solidarity. Of the power of hospitality. Of resistance.
Mary's response?
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name...
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name...
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
Mary preaches that.
The powers of this world, the dominion of Caesar, is coming down.
The powers of this world, the dominion of Caesar, is coming down.
Mercy overcomes injustice; humility replaces hubris; rulers are cast down, the poor raised; there is food enough for all; and the rich will be judged for what they have done to women like Elizabeth and Mary. To all such women and men through history.
So, this morning, at the end of Advent, let Mary's story & sermon fill you with wonder.
Not just the wonder of a young girl who gives birth in a stable.
But the world-shaking wonder of a woman who resists slavery and shame and, instead, proclaims her story & God's story as one.
Not just the wonder of a young girl who gives birth in a stable.
But the world-shaking wonder of a woman who resists slavery and shame and, instead, proclaims her story & God's story as one.
That is the ultimate resistance. Mary preaches: God's dream of liberation and salvation is MY story.
And in being her story, it becomes a story of spiritual power & resistance to this world's powers for every heartbroken, oppressed, shamed, hopeless human who ever lived.
And in being her story, it becomes a story of spiritual power & resistance to this world's powers for every heartbroken, oppressed, shamed, hopeless human who ever lived.
She takes the rape-rumor and upends it -- this baby -- the one you thought would ruin me -- will ruin your Empire -- and is the One who fulfills God's promise of mercy to the entire cosmos.
Best. Sermon. Ever.
Best. Sermon. Ever.
