by Msgr. Joseph P. Calise
According to Wikipedia, in 1984, Mark Lowry wrote the words for the modern Christmas classic, “Mary, Did You Know?” It was put to music by Buddy Greene in 1991.
Although its lyrics are not the most theologically profound, it poses simple questions asking Mary if she knew at his birth the things Jesus would later do. We hear phrases in the Scriptures like, “She treasured these things in her heart,” which indicates that she did not know everything that would happen through and because of him, but she was aware that she was being asked to be part of it.
The Angel Gabriel made it quite clear that she had found favor with God, and because of that favor, she had a mission in God’s plan of salvation. She knew that this child was the hope of Israel and that she would accompany Him in a unique way as he fulfilled his mission from the Father.
God’s favor led her to accept Jesus in her womb. The presence of Jesus then leads her to the scene we encounter in today’s Gospel, the Visitation. Accepting Jesus leads her to an act of love and service. Elizabeth, aware of the presence of Christ because of the leaping of John the Baptist in her womb, declares Mary “Blessed” because she “believed that what was spoken by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Mary is called blessed because her belief in the presence of Christ in her life became the inspiration to love someone else. Faith leads to action.
In a few days, we will be celebrating Christmas. Our celebration of the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago re- minds us that the Child of Bethlehem grew to be the Savior on the Cross who promised to return in glory. We celebrate the Christmas of history because we believe in a Christmas yet to come. But we celebrate both in the present moment.
If we believe what we have been told by the Lord, then we, like Mary, find our blessedness in acts of love and service. If we believe that the Child in the crib is the long-awaited Messiah and that Jesus of the Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension now sits at the right hand of the father, we must express that faith in action if we are one day to share the glory it promises. As St. James tells us, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17)
At this time of the year, it is traditional to send cards and exchange gifts with people we care about. If we see this as an obligation, it can become tedious and tiring.
If we approach it, rather, as a way of expressing our love for another because we rejoice at the presence of love among us, perhaps we have a good idea of what the words “Merry Christmas” actually mean.
Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Mi 5:1-4a
Heb 10:5-10
Lk 1:39-45
Msgr. Calise is pastor of Transfiguration-St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Maspeth.
