With Leddy Hammock and Sue Riley
Although we have all heard the story of Mary giving birth to Jesus in a cattle stall, most of us haven’t stopped to wonder what kind of woman Mary was. After all she lived in a time when being pregnant out of wedlock meant being outcast or stoned. Probably only about fourteen years of age, she was wise beyond her years and showed the qualities of wisdom, discernment, and faith when she said, Yes!” to a message from an angel. We ask ourselves what we might accomplish by beginning each task from a place of pure love and selfless consent. Mary did this and much more. Join us as we share the story of Mary, a woman of power.
RESPONSIVE READING:
Love – Mary of Nazareth
“contradiction; myrrh; aromatic spirits,” “the soul” (fifth woman mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus:
“Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah” (Matthew 1:16).
“The angel Gabriel [“God is my strength”] was sent from God to a town of Galilee [“a ring; a circle;’ momentum”] called Nazareth (“shining, splendid, covenant, preserved”), to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph (“Jehovah shall increase”), of the house of David (“beloved of the Lord”), and the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:16-17).
Lord, increase the love in my heart.
Remind me of Your presence in my life
and Your covenant with me.
“Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive …. But Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be …?” (Luke 1:30-4).
Lord, remind me that I am loved
and worthy in Your sight.
“The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you ….
for nothing will be impossible for God” (Luke 1:35-7).
Lord, remind me that for the pure love of Spirt,
nothing is impossible.
“And Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord …. From now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me …. His mercy is from age to age” (Luke 1:46-50).
Let my heart reflect Your mighty love,
for I know that You love me unconditionally,
as a mother loves a child.