|
In the season of Advent we walk in expectation. Expectation of the birth of Jesus – to be celebrated again, each year – and expectation of the second coming of Jesus – who knows when?
In our reading today we hear Mary’s reaction to the news that she is expecting, as we might say today. She has had time to think about the news from the angel, and has travelled to see Elizabeth. How has she spent this time? Has she been concerned, or calm? Is it Elizabeth’s description of John’s greeting of Jesus whilst still in the womb which has made her convinced of the goodness of the news? Or has she been bursting with excitement all the way from Galilee?
Either way, today we hear her sing. She can’t hold back as she praises God in her amazement that God has chosen her for this blessing. God’s mercy and power are sung of over and over again as Mary’s joy overflows.
And what about us?
Some people can get an inkling of how Mary feels because of the joy they felt when they discovered they were pregnant. But many people don’t even have that insight into Mary’s delight. And it is those people who come to mind today. That people will marry, or settle into a committed relationship, and have children, is often expected – and there is that word again! The pressure of social expectation. But not all people want children, and not all people can have children.
It might feel like the end of the world for some people when they can’t have children. But it needn’t be.
We should still expect God to surprise us – not necessarily with a child, but with some other gift or talent with which to bless the world. We should expect God to do amazing things through us, too. These are the expectations which the world needs, not expectations which make us feel inadequate or unusual in the world’s eyes when we don’t – or can’t – fulfil them.
Then we too might be able to sing with Mary in joy and celebration, trusting that God knows what is best for each of us.
|
