Words of Life: An Enduring Legacyනියැදිය

Fear to faith – Mary’s song.

In our cultures, the concept of blessing has been diminished and has lost some meaning and significance. Social media platforms showcase people declaring the blessing of holidays, new cars or jobs, or while enjoying sumptuous meals with friends. The image of blessing from these sources suggests that being ‘blessed’ means having a life of privilege and comfort, and not very much more.

Following that understanding, at first glance, Mary does not appear to be very blessed at all. She certainly didn’t come from a privileged family or enjoy the benefits of great wealth. While she was clearly a good Jewish girl, her education would have been limited at best, and her family and friends would have perceived her pre-marriage pregnancy as a disgrace and a matter of shame.

And yet, having been visited by an angel and then spending time with her cousin Elizabeth, who had also had supernatural experiences, she declares the glory of God beautifully, recognising her own lowliness and humble background. She sees her assignment to be the Mother of Jesus as a privilege above all others.

The challenge for all disciples of Jesus is to identify his blessing over us. Is it only when things are good and comfortable that we experience blessings? Or is it just when life is going well and we can almost freewheel through it? Or is it when God smiles upon us in the midst of difficulty and anxiety? For Mary, it was clearly the latter. With the news of her being with child, and the possibility of social disgrace and shame a growing reality, she praised God that he had chosen her for this purpose.

As we go through our day, let us look more deeply at who we are and the things that happen to us, and let us determine where we are being blessed. In finding that blessing, may we give praise to God for his hand over us.