By: Bruce Smith
More years ago than I like to think, I lived in Italy for a year. Despite my unornamented Calvinist upbringing I found myself having a special spot for the many portrayals of Mary. Possibly one can’t avoid being overwhelmed by Madonna’s if you spend that much time in Italian museums! In any case, I want to share one of my favorites with you this week. Above you’ll find Leonardo Da Vinci’s version. This Annunciation is a portrayal of Luke 1:26-38 where Mary is told of her role to become the mother of Jesus. The rich colors, balance, charming flowers, perspective and in comparable execution, all speak to the powers of a master of the Renaissance. The story it portrays seemed appropriate for this Advent season.
Gabriel is reassuring Mary who, considering she is seeing an angel, restrains her surprise remarkably well. When Mary recovers from the fear and astonishment produced by Gabriel’s sudden appearance, she is told that she has found favor with God. Then the most unbelievable claim is made, that she will become the mother of the Son of the Most High, the successor to the throne of David. We can only begin to imagine how overwhelming this must have been for a simple, young girl in a backwater of the all-powerful Roman Empire. Her reaction, possibly borne of overawed incredulity, is charmingly logical, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Reassured with yet another fantastic claim, she humbly responds with one of the great phrases of the Bible. “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Considering that all her plans were headed in quite a different direction, her willingness to accept this incredible assignment so humbly is striking. How many of us would have had a few more questions and reservations? Yet, perhaps the young Mary is teaching us something. If we, too, focus on being servants to the One, perhaps we’ll find unexpected fulfillment in our role. Amid the rampant Christmas mercantilism, we may do well to keep this Advent story in mind while looking for ways in which we, like Mary. can be servants. Our role may not be as world-changing as Mary’s but we probably won’t have to face any surprise angels either.