God cheats
According to Luke, at least. “Hey, Mary”, says Gabriel, “God wants you to have a baby. How privileged are you - to bear the Son of the Most High!” So Mary says, yes. Nine months and forty days pass: “Hey Mary,” says Simeon, “This child’s going to get into trouble, and you’ll be heart-broken.”
Maybe it would have been nice to know that first. Vocation, huh! Happy Candlemas (and maybe I should go off and meditate on the glorious mysteries after that rather jaundiced take on things).
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Don’t you think that Mary had some idea that upset and sorrow would be involved somewhere along the way? After all, did she sing a “song of high revolt” as her response to the joyful news?
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
When Gabriel spoke to Charlie Brown, I think the lad said: “I now have a new philosophy. I only dread one day at a time.” Then when Simeon tried to reassure the boy, he replied: “In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.” (And we all remember what Charlie Brown asked after failing to direct the holiday play: “What’s the true meaning of Christmas anyway?)
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Justin, I don’t think (Luke’s) Mary saw the bad stuff happening to her – she was after all one of the lowly to be exalted.