Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator
Though the temperatures have been warmish of late, most of us who live in the United States do not know what it's like to live in a desert or desert-like climate. The southern part of Israel is such a place. For the Israelites, one image of God that gave great comfort was the pillar of cloud that preceded them in their desert journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The cloud was a symbol of safety and protection.
When the Archangel Gabriel brings news of the Incarnation to Mary, he tells Mary that the power of the Most High will "overshadow" her. I hear the angel telling Mary that because "the Lord is with you," she will be protected. Given the cultural mores for her time, she will need such protection if she is to bear a child before she is married. That protection comes through Joseph, a man devoted to God. So while the conception of the infant in Mary's womb was virginal, this baby was still brought about by the agreement of two individuals to obey the will of God, to accept God's path as their path. While Mary receives most of the attention on this Solemnity, the mystery of God coming among us is still about two people cooperating with God to bring forth a new life.
God's plan for every child is that a man and a woman, in cooperation with God's grace, bring forth a new life. The union of man and woman is a sacred act designed to foster love between the man and the woman, but also designed to bring forth life. To participate in one purpose and to frustrate the other is not in keeping with God's will.
On this day when we remember that God took on our flesh, let us pray for all women who are pregnant. Let us also pray for those who have entered into the Sacrament of Matrimony that they might remember that they are a sign of the love that God has for the people, the Church.