The Lord's Servant
I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most highly respected women in history. So, it comes as no surprise that white lilies, or “Madonna lilies,” as they are sometimes called, often symbolize her purity, humility, and devotion. Across the ages, Mary remains a powerful witness to unyielding faith.
To appreciate the depth of Mary’s faith, we need only put ourselves in her place and imagine an angel suddenly appearing to us. I am fairly sure I would probably faint from terror, or at least be speechless! Yet, despite this astounding visitation, Mary seems to remain composed as she listens and responds to the angel Gabriel. The message this high-ranking angel delivers is even more startling. “By the power of the Holy Spirit you will conceive God’s Son,” Gabriel tells Mary, “And you are to call him Jesus, because He will save God’s people from their sins” (see Mathew 1:21).
And Mary responds in humility and obedience, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
For her example of unwavering faith in the face of what must have been great uncertainty, Mary deserves our deep gratitude. Of course, she’s not divine herself, but she provides a divinely inspired example of how we too can respond when we are faced with unsettling calls to follow Jesus.
In this season of Advent, may the Holy Spirit teach us to say, “I am the Lord’s servant,” and then follow Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Lord, increase our hope, faith and our faithfulness as we wait to celebrate Your birth. Amen.
Inspired by a Today devotion