Mary: meek and mild

Or maybe not.   Have you ever noticed how all the Marys in the nativities are sitting or kneeling in postures of adoration? All of them.

Don't you think it is time that Mary got to stand on her own two feet and take her rightful place as a strong and determined partner of God in this wild adventure called The Birth of Jesus: The Redemption of the World.

An angel shows up on Mary's doorstep and the ensuing conversation does a lot to bring the Mary: Meek and Mild myth to an end.  Certainly it is easy to allow Mary to simply nod her head and smile an enigmatic smile while focusing on all the hoopla of the angel. (and at the same time buy into the cultural expectations of women in general)

But what if you heard the angel talking like a Used Car Salesman (you know the type) who grins too widely and compliments you too lavishly?  Then the angel's  "Greetings, favored one!" takes on a whole new tone and Mary's response sounds a lot more suspicious, for Mary 'wondered what sort of greeting this was'.  And wonder she should.

In rapid fire, the angel lays out the whole plan in one breath (or at least in one long run on sentence)...  a child, Son of the Most High, from the house of David who will reign over an everlasting kingdom.

Once again it is easy to think that Mary simply allows this outrageous news to wash over her, submitting to it without regard....that is until you hear her question  "How can this be?"  Mary was a farm girl; she knew how babies were made.

Does this make her less of a servant of God?  Does this make her less of partner in the work of bringing in the kingdom?  Does the fact that she has a couple of reasonable questions and a touch of common sense suspicion make her any less than what she is.........the chosen one of God?

Mary has been a model for women and mothers over the last 2000 years - and yet the picture that has been painted of Mary is of a passive, submissive figure who has no place at the table and no voice in the proceedings.  She does what she is told, what her biology demands.

Is this the Mary you find in Luke?  A woman with no voice?  no opinions?  no will of her own?  This news to Mary is far more radical than it is a Hallmark greeting card.

The King of all Creation is going to be born to a young woman.....and from that moment on, the world is about to turn.

Meek and mild my eye.