Art: “Mary and Child,” by Chen Yuandu, Société des Auxiliaires des Missions (SAM) China Photograph Collection, Whitworth University Library, Spokane

Available online at: https://digitalcommons.whitworth.edu/g31_chinese_art1/34/

Written by Elizabeth Snader, Campus Minister at Campus Christian Community at the University of Mary Washington

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.’”
Luke 1:46-55

a painting of a woman holding a baby in clouds
Art: “Mary and Child,” by Chen Yuandu, Société des Auxiliaires des Missions (SAM) China Photograph Collection, Whitworth University Library, Spokane — “Mary and Child,” by Chen Yuandu, Société des Auxiliaires des Missions (SAM) China Photograph Collection, Whitworth University Library, Spokane

We often read and study this passage during the season of Advent, but this picture of Mary and Jesus stopped me in my tracks, and made me think about this unique relationship between Mary and her son, Jesus. This Lenten season is very different for me than any other I have experienced before – I am pregnant and expecting my first child in August! As I am coming closer to the reality of becoming a mom, I find myself wondering how Mary felt while pregnant with Jesus.

In this beautiful picture we see her with Jesus as a child, and in this passage, known as Mary’s Magnificat, we are witnessing Mary as she is starting to realize more and more the importance of the child she is bearing. She is connected with God in this moment more than she ever has been. Not only will she birth the Son of God, but she will witness, as his mother, him grow up and watch him lean into his divinity as he initiates the Kingdom of God here on earth. Mary’s life was forever changed when she learned that she would give birth to the Son of God. This is a major reorientation for Mary as she is waiting to give birth to Jesus. I can imagine Mary, as the mother of Jesus, feeling excited but nervous, thankful but worried. She knows that this son of hers will come to this earth and shake things up – but yet she is faithful and ready to be his mother. 

How are we reorienting our lives during Lent? Through reorienting our lives, we grow. Not only do we grow in knowledge and experience, but we grow in our relationship with God. I encourage us to think about the ways in which God is calling us to step into something new during this season. We can trust that God is faithful and will be with us every step of the way.

Prayer: God of all the seasons of life, we come to you knowing that things change. We may not be the biggest fan of change, but we pray that through it all we grow closer to you and lean in to see the work that you are doing. May we be mindful of this season and be open to how you are calling us to reorient our lives. May we remember the commitment that Mary had to bring Jesus into this world knowing that he would change the world forever. God be with us, now and forever. Amen. 