Reflection for December 21
“Most Blessed are you among women.” As I read that phrase, I am reminded that I have a very complicated relationship with Mary. As a child, I heard such terms as “Most Blessed,” “Most Holy,” “Immaculate,” “Sinless,” “Full of Grace,” “Holy Virgin,” “Mother of God,” just to name a few. I viewed Mary as an icon, placed on a pedestal, someone to be revered and honored. Unfortunately, in that position, her experience was not relatable as I grew and matured. I most certainly could not identify with the adjectives that were attached to my perception of Mary. For a long period of time, my relationship with Mary became almost antagonistic. Then, I began to see Mary in a different light: as a woman who felt fear, who felt pain, who felt disappointment, who felt suffering, who faced struggles in a life that was not easy. Not until I began to see Mary through this lens, as fully human, was I able to truly see how God is present in my life in the same way he was fully present in Mary’s life.
Consider this: Mary, from a lowly background, 13-14 years old, pregnant before married, ventures on a long and arduous journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. As they meet, the hardships they bear, the pain and suffering they experience, are dissipated by tremendous joy and love. One can feel the presence of God through their encounter. This joy and love are available to all of us. Life’s journey is full of pain, suffering, sadness and grief. In this “joyous” time of Christmas, many struggle, feeling alone or in despair. But as in the story of Mary’s visit with Elizabeth, we all have the opportunity to experience that joy and love, to meet God, in each and every encounter we have with each and every human being, no exceptions. Let us strive to do that not only through the holidays, but each and every day.
Andrea Melanson-Wlochowski