Joy, Trust and Hope – Mary in the Nativity

CRABTREE– It was a visit and a conversation we believe that Mary wasn’t expecting. At the Annunciation, the Archangel Gabriel appeared, saying to her “Rejoice, Graced One”

“She’s shocked because he’s obviously singling her out. The term ‘graced one’ gives us the indication that she is sinless. And as a sinless being, she doesn’t reflect upon herself. So she’s startled by what sort of greeting could this be,” said Benedictine Father Justin Matro, Pastor of Saint Bartholomew Parish, Crabtree, and assistant professor of spiritual theology at Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe.

As we know, Gabriel continues to tell Mary that she should not be afraid and that she is going to have a son. Mary may have been confused at that point.

“The angel made it clear that she would have a child but she would also remain a virgin — that the child would be the Son of God and that she would be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit,” Father Justin added. “Immediately, her mood is going to match the joy of the angel, and she will say, ‘Be it done to me according to your word,’ and she states in pure joy that she is at His service.”

It is Mary’s joy and trust that Father Justin says set the rest of the Nativity story.

“The sign to demonstrate that everything is true is that her cousin, Elizabeth, is to have a child, of course, John the Baptist,” Father Justin explained. “Mary is then guided by the Holy Spirit to visit Elizabeth, and as soon as she greets Elizabeth, there is again a great movement of joy; and when Elizabeth hears Mary’s voice and the child in her womb leaps, again, a great joyous movement.”

In that instance, Father Justin said Mary’s role is to bring Jesus to John the Baptist, and that initiates John’s role as a forerunner for Jesus Christ, preparing people for His coming through repentance and baptism.

We know Mary was betrothed to Joseph. He, too, is confused now that Mary is with child, and he doesn’t understand how that could happen. We know that Joseph was a righteous man and doesn’t want to expose Mary to punishment, so he thought about a quiet divorce.

“Whatever Joseph was thinking, he has the dream that provides the vision that his role and his place is firmly established. Joseph is told that he shall name the child Jesus,” Father Justin explained. “He understands that he has a place and this has all been designed by God, and he gladly cooperates with that role.”

On so many levels, the Nativity story is also a story of trust and acceptance. 

“Mary and Joseph have followed the rule of humanity. They have gone to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral home, where he must be registered, and he is to appear for the census. There is no room for them, yet there is trust. There is a stable made available, and it’s not the most desirable of residences to be in, so Mary and Joseph settle in there. So again, it’s humble but somehow trusting,” Father Justin said.

When the Lord is born, the angels first alert the shepherds, who were not considered to be the most gracious of characters in those days. They accept the news at face value and rush to the manger in Bethlehem, trusting in the word of the angels to see the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. Within time, the Magi will come, and again with a sense of trust and receptivity of God’s will.

“And, of course, Herod wants to kill the baby, but God takes care of his son through Joseph, who leads his family into Egypt where there is a large Jewish community and a place to live,” said Father Justin. “This is all based on the ongoing levels of Mary and Joseph trusting.”

The joy, trust and hope is often counter to how Mary is portrayed in movies and television programs, according to Father Justin.

“They always present Mary as anxious about the news that she would bear the son of God,” he said. “Saint Luke presents a whole line of joy because her trust in God is so complete and she is reliant upon God. God will take care of this. Her joy is that Emmanuel has come, God is with his people, and she has a child that in her mind would be whatever God wants.”

As we journey through Advent, Father Justin encourages the faithful to use Mary as a model in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ.

“Mary didn’t sweat the small stuff. Mary completely trusted in God’s presence. Realize who this is about and what it’s about,” he said. “What matters is Jesus has come to us. God has sent His only son. That’s how deeply He loves us, and that is what Christmas is all about.”