In one of the holiest places in Rockdale County–the crypt chapel at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit–hangs a lone icon of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. In the silence of that little room, these two striking figures give visitors a serene look filled with the quiet fortitude required for the Christian life.
When I look in Mary’s face, I can only imagine what it was like for her the day the angel Gabriel told her that she would bear Israel’s Messiah (Luke 2:1-26). God chose Mary, favored among women, to continue God’s redemptive plan in the least expected of places, the backwoods village of Nazareth.
When we first meet Mary in Bible, she was betrothed to Joseph, a humble carpenter. More than likely, her days were filled with excitement surrounding wedding plans. Mary probably giggled with friends at the thought of sharing a home with someone; she had to pick what food to eat, what wedding dress to wear. Hers was an ordinary life, much like those of the other 13-year old girls in her neighborhood.
Those plans abruptly ended when a divine visit struck Mary with fear. She would, according to Gabriel, conceive the Son of God whose very name means “God will save.” Through her, the king of an everlasting kingdom would walk the earth, and she would experience God’s favor in a uniquely miraculous way.
Any other girl would run away, and even Mary had her doubts. The brief conversation with Gabriel included a question surrounding her apparent inability to fulfill God’s promise: “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” With God, Gabriel told her, all things are possible.
She did not shirk away from her responsibility. Nor did she let her fears or doubts hinder her from living into her purpose. This girl, barely a teenager, answered the angel with bold obedience: “Lord, I am your servant; do with me according to your word.”
Mary was so blessed, yet so fragile in this little Advent story. And though we do not have much information about her family background; we can clearly see that her life spoke volumes to God.
Mystery does surround Mary nonetheless. Many churchgoers have theorized how Mary lived out God’s purpose in her lifetime. By the year 400 CE, at least three theologians argued whether Mary conceived any more children after Jesus.
One theory held that the brothers of Jesus were half-brothers–Joseph’s sons from a previous marriage. Another theory held that Jesus’ brothers were not brothers at all, but cousins. A third concluded that Jesus did have blood brothers, and that Mary’s “immaculate conception” did not preclude her from having children after Jesus was born.
What catches my attention about Mary, though, is not the controversy of her place in the church; rather, it is how much she acts as a mirror for us all. When I visited the crypt chapel, I felt that I was a part of that parent-child relationship. Mary’s divine visitation was my divine visitation. God’s calling on Mary’s life was my calling as well. We are all called to bear God’s Light into a world of darkness and despair. We are all called to be Jesus’ brothers and sisters.
As I noted in my article last week, Advent is a time of anticipation when we enter the biblical story and await the birth of the messiah. It is pregnant with suspense and ends in the dramatic birth of light, love, and life in a manger. Mary reminds us that we are pregnant still, awaiting the Advent of Christ in our very spirit.
Like those who visit the womb that is the crypt chapel at our local monastery, we sit and wait and let that picture of Mary bring us strength and courage so that we, too, can hold the Christ-child come Christmas day.
Baptist Spirituality 
In my former boss’s office there was a picture of a very dejected-looking Mary sitting on a bed barefooted with feet in a pigeon toed position. She is looking up. Many people who saw the picture didn’t like it, but my boss pointed out that it most probably depicted how she felt at the moment she received the news. In that instance I think we can very well identify with Mary. She not only had to face the community but her betrothed. Acceptance came, as she was obedient, from the outset. Joy came later as she matured.
Thanks, Martha! That is very profound. I would’ve loved to see your boss’s picture…Seems unique.
What makes a place holy? hang a picture? Special lighting?
What makes a place holy?
Really?
As an (liturgical) artist, I am constantly thinking about space and environment. To me, spaces matter–and it’s hard for me to just “worship” anywhere, not to say I don’t connect with God everywhere.
But that’s a great question, and I’m sure each one of my readers and I would answer it differently. It’s subjective.
Joe
You start this article with “one of the holiest places in…”. What makes one place more holy than any other?
You know, it’s really hard to explain the feelings that occur when I enter the Crypt Chapel at the monastery. Most people who know of it and have visited agree that there is something special about the place–it’s in the cellar of a cathedral, so its deathly silent, for one thing. There are only a few lights that shine upon the icon of Mary and the Christ-child. It’s gold leaf and colorful hues express a certain solemn reflectiveness common of most icons. The pews force a more erect posture; kneeling benches are available for the more humble of heart.
The room is enveloped in stone, reminiscent of something more ancient than even the church itself–rock quarried from places near and far. There’s just a certain sacredness to the place.
To me, that’s the essence of holiness and a holy place. It’s a womb of God’s presence, a place full of God’s loving Spirit. Magical.
As LeVar Burton says on Reading Rainbow, Don’t take my word for it–The crypt chapel is open to the public. You can find more info about the cathedral, which sits atop the Crypt chapel here: http://www.trappist.net/TheBuildings
What about you?
I don’t feel like Gods presence dwells in places on earth. Thats why I don’t think one place can be more holy than another.
Do you feel like God has changed since He spoke to Moses from the burning bush? I know the covenant of grace has come since. I know about Jesus words to the woman at the well. But these do not mean that there are no special encounters with the holiness….the love, joy, peace….of God…that makes a moment and/or a place particularly holy (separate) to someone. What a blessing to be given a holy experience or place. And certainly blessed are those who love the Lord and for whom every place and every day are the same.
That’s Christians for you (excuse the lack of verbal agreement). A lovely devotional on Mary….and we quibble about a word. Sigh. If you’ve read this far and rolled your eyes as I did (almost audibly)…go back up there and re-read Martha’s wonderful comment at the top. Growing up all I heard about Mary was what she was not. I’m so grateful for what she must have been…..her trust in the Lord defined her self-identity. I want that kind of faith. That’s the way we can all be “highly favored” (graced); Mary is a model for any Christian who will welcome the new abundant life Jesus wants to manifest in the world through those who accept His love, and live it out. That cause is too big for quibbles about words. Thank you Baptist Spirituality. Love in the Lord from a (gasp) Campbellite!
Campbellites are welcome here!