“Madonna of the dispossessed” by Mary C Farrenkopf
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know? —Mark Lowry
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1a
Whenever I hear this song, tears spring to my eyes. Can you imagine the immediate reaction of a single, adolescent girl being told that she is pregnant, and that she is carrying the savior of the world? In today’s world, that means lots of counseling, possible termination of the pregnancy and a very questionable reaction from her family. In her day? I doubt anyone can truly appreciate the terror she must have experienced. And Joseph, what about his reaction?
There is no explaining who he chooses to carry out his wishes. God has all kinds of gifts for us, some presented as outright blessings, others hidden in challenges and hurtful losses. Our attitudes determine how we deal with and understand these life events. When facing a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, one can succumb to despair or can depend on our Lord’s faith in us and find a way to turn it around to a crowning achievement.
No matter what the challenge or the blessing, we can only hope to face them and appreciate them with the strength Mary was able to manifest. We all need to strive to make God proud of us in our daily lives, through our thoughts and our actions.
Prayer: Lord, please keep our eyes open and give us the strength and perceptions to see the gifts you have provided. Let us have the courage to overcome and grow in your love through the challenges, large and small, that you send our way. Let us know that we all have the power to make the world a much better place through our faith in your ultimate sacrifice. Amen.
—Andree Tyagi