Luke 1:26-38 There is a legend that says Mary was not the first young woman to whom the angel came. That, in fact, the angel Gabriel had made numerous attempts to identify a young woman who would carry the Christ child. Madeleine L’Engle imagines how these conversations might have gone. Responses to the angel might have sounded something like this: “Are you sure you mean – but I’m unworthy – I couldn’t, anyhow – I’d be afraid. No, no, it’s inconceivable, you can’t be asking me – I know it’s a great honor but wouldn’t it upset them all, both our families? They’re very proper, you see. Do I have to answer now? I don’t want to say no – it’s what every girl hopes for, even if she won’t admit it. But I can’t commit myself to anything this important without turning it over in my mind for a […]
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Pillars of Faith, Part 4: Faith Waits
Luke 14:1-11 It’s curious that, after just having put his opponents to shame, the leader of the religious leaders, the Arch-Pharisee, invites him over for dinner. Why might he have done that? He might have been invited because the Pharisees thought this had gotten out of hand and they wanted to try to reconcile. Good intentions. So, maybe that was it. He might have been invited because the Pharisees’ professional reputation was on the line. Their credibility was at risk because the crowds of witnesses were cheering Jesus on while he was humiliating the leaders. He might have been invited because they decided to take the high road. They would show that they could “turn the other cheek” with the best of them. Or, he might have been invited because they were keeping a close eye on him. Remember that they have been trying to catch him in a serious […]
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