If ever there was a time for someone to say, “Um, I didn’t ask for this…I don’t want it…This was not on my list…,” it was when the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she, an unwed teenager, will become pregnant.
But Mary doesn’t even blink. She hears the news, and instead of getting mad or scared – or just flat-out saying “No” – Mary gives thanks!
This beautiful thank-you note is called the Magnificat. It’s an inspirational song of thanksgiving. But it’s also a fiery song about hope and destiny, about justice and righteousness.
We are all called and given sacred jobs in this life. Some can make us want to say, “Um, I didn’t ask for this…I don’t want it…this was not on my list.” And in those situations, we have two choices: We can push it away in fear or anger. Or we can use that fear or anger for transformation.
This message is excerpted from “This was not on my list.” by Susan Sparks in the November/December 2021 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Mary, Mother of Our Lord.
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