Journeying With Christ: The Coptic Month of Kiahk of the Nativity Fastናሙና

Week 2 Theme: The Annunciation to St. Mary

Day 4: Blessed Among Women

"For as by one man's disobedience sin entered, and death obtained [a place] through sin; so also by the obedience of one man, righteousness had been introduced, and the cause of life been exhibited." - St. Athanasius the Apostolic (On the Incarnation)

In our journey with Christ, we encounter individuals who play significant roles in God's plan of salvation. One such person is St. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of God. Her visit to her cousin St. Elizabeth reveals the blessedness and significance of St. Mary's role in God's redemptive story. Today, as we reflect on St. Mary's visitation to St. Elizabeth, let us contemplate the blessedness of St. Mary and seek her intercession as we journey with Christ.

When St. Mary arrived at the house of St. Elizabeth and greeted her, something extraordinary happened - St. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42). St. Elizabeth recognized the unique role that St. Mary would play in bringing forth the Savior of the world.

St. Mary's visitation to St. Elizabeth holds profound meaning for us. It reveals the blessedness of St. Mary and the significance of her obedience in God's plan of salvation. St. Athanasius the Apostolic, an Early Church Father, beautifully explains St. Mary's role as the new Eve, who brings life and restoration through her obedience. He writes, "For as by one man's disobedience sin entered, and death obtained [a place] through sin; so also by the obedience of one man, righteousness had been introduced, and the cause of life been exhibited" (On the Incarnation).

In the Garden of Eden, Eve's disobedience brought sin and death into the world but through St. Mary's obedience, a new beginning unfolded. St. Mary's "yes" to God's plan reversed the consequences of Adam's disobedience. In her womb, she carried the New Adam, Jesus Christ, who came to restore humanity's communion with God.

St. Mary's blessedness extends beyond her physical role as the Mother of Jesus. She exemplifies humility, faith, and obedience - qualities that we can emulate in our own journey with Christ. St. Mary's fiat, her resounding "Let it be done to me according to your word," is a powerful reminder of the trust and surrender we are called to have in God's divine plan for our lives.

As we journey with Christ, we can seek St. Mary's intercession and draw inspiration from her example. Just as St. Elizabeth recognized St. Mary's blessedness, we too can honor and venerate St. Mary for her unique role in salvation history. St. Mary stands as a model of faith and trust, reminding us that God's promises are faithful and that His plan unfolds in ways we may not fully comprehend.

St. Mary's visitation to Elizabeth also teaches us about the joy and fellowship that accompany our journey with Christ. When St. Mary entered St. Elizabeth's house, the baby (St. John the Forerunner) in her womb leaped for joy, and St. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). Their encounter was a moment of celebration, as two chosen women rejoiced in the fulfillment of God's promises.

In our own lives, as we walk with Christ, we are called to share in the joy and fellowship of our fellow believers. We are invited to be bearers of joy to one another, encouraging and supporting each other along the journey. St. Mary's visit to St. Elizabeth reminds us of the power of genuine companionship and the blessings that flow from a community united in Christ.

As we reflect on St. Mary's visitation to St. Elizabeth, let us embrace St. Mary's blessedness and seek her intercession in our journey with Christ. Let us learn from her example of humility, faith, and obedience. May we, like St. Mary, say "yes" to God's plan for our lives and trust in His faithfulness and as we walk with fellow believers, may we foster a spirit of joy and fellowship, drawing strength and encouragement from one another.