December 21, 2003
Meditations on the Birth of Christ III: the Silence of Mary
Romano Guardini is fond of noting the “stillness” and “quiet” the surrounds the incarnation of God into the womb of Mary (the new Ark of the Covenant). Part of this quiet lies in the silent assent of Mary to the will of God.
Consider this: Mary was waiting to be wed to Joseph, the man she loved. God appears and lets Mary know she will conceive of Him – which is the second person of the trinity. At this point Mary gives her quiet assent to God’s will all the while realizing the possible ramifications.
So, when Joseph discovers that his future wife is pregnant, he begins making plans to “send her away quietly” (Matt 1:19) in order that she not be shamed. As Joseph is making plans, what does Mary do? Nothing. She quietly accepts God’s will and trusts in Him that all should happen correctly. She does not go to Joseph and protest her innocence or proclaim that this is a divine act. She does not complain to God that this is unjust. No, Mary quietly accepts God’s will trusting completely in Him to make everything correct despite the fact that her entire life is crumbling around her. Now that is faith.
Remember as you prepare for Christmas, the quiet faith of Mary, the stillness of her pregnancy, and her faith and trust in God. May we all have the faith of Mary.
God bless,
Jay
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Also something to note is the silence of Joseph.
Oddly enough, the scriptures record anything Joseph said. His actions alone make him a superb role model for all husbands and fathers.
