He has looked with favor on his lowly servant

What is humility?   When we think of a humble person, we might picture a quiet, unassuming person.   Maybe we think of a “shrinking violet,” someone who doesn’t take risks because he or she lacks confidence.   We may think of someone who, when complimented, protests that they are no good.   But is this true humility?

Let’s look at Mary, whose we celebrate everyday.   It’s true that when the spotlight was on her, she pointed to God.   It’s also true that she knew all blessings come from God.   But none of this made her shrink into the shadows!

Imagine a young woman, early in her pregnancy, making a trip by herself—most likely on foot and definitely without any of the conveniences of modern-day travel—to visit her cousin in the rugged hill country of Judah.   That’s pretty gutsy!

The gospels are full of examples of Mary’s active humility:  saying yes to becoming pregnant even before she and Joseph had come together as husband and wife;  traveling as an older widow to Jerusalem to be with Jesus during his ministry and at his crucifixion; risking arrest by associating with the other disciples after Jesus had ascended into heaven.

Mary was decisive, active, and bold, but this didn’t mean she was proud! She simply chose to do what God called her to do.   She knew her strength wasn’t enough to carry out God’s plan, but that didn’t stop her.   She didn’t try to back out because she was too weak or lowly.   Rather than disqualifying herself out of a false sense of modesty, she forged ahead and staked her life on God’s faithfulness.

God is calling you to help build his kingdom, and he is asking you to do it in humility.   A humble person doesn’t shrink in fear but takes action with faith and trust in God.   As we celebrate Mary’s, let’s see her entrance into heaven as the crowning jewel of her humility.   Yes, God truly has “lifted up the lowly”.   She who stepped forward in faith is now exalted as queen of heaven and earth!

Word Among Us