In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man who name was Joseph, of the House of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to hear and said, "Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus ... Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let be with me according to your word."
God inaugurates a "new beginning" with human beings by daring to become one of us. And God does so in a most unexpected way ... through an unwed, teenager virgin from an occupied people living humbly in a backwater town.
I believe God chooses Mary exactly because of her lower status and anonymity. As is the Biblical witness, God often thinks "outside of the box" (i.e. Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Ruth, David, etc.). In Mary, this is most certainly true.
This new beginning marks the commitment of God to us, God's beloved creation. Amidst our failures and flaws, our imperfections and impurity, God remains faithful. It is God's fidelity that is truly life-giving and saving for us. God does not abandon us and God is willing to show no impartiality. God values the least and the lost and the losers as much as the powerful and the popular and the winners.
God comes near to redeem us all. And to do so, he will mark new beginnings in any and everyone who says "Here am I, your servant. Let it be with me according to your word."
Loving Jesus, come near my heart today and shape my life toward your purpose. Amen.
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