The text for Pastor’s Corner this week is a poem written by a friend of mine, Dr Annemarie Paulin-Campbell. The poem puts a human and intimate face on one of our deepest theological mysteries. Mary, not a distant heavenly icon but a woman of flesh and blood and bone, of tears and fears and joys and faith. May its realness and beauty help you enter the mystery of the incarnation.
Mary,
What was it like
the day the angel came?
Tell me please.
Were you in the field alone,
Or in the quiet of your bed?
Did you see the angel
in light and splendour
or sense an enfolding
of love and grace?
What feeling stirred
as you heard the words.
“Do not be afraid. Rejoice.
You have won God’s favour?”
When did you feel
the first signs of new life?
Were your breasts aching?
as you realized your usual
bleeding had not come.
Mary, tell me.
Were you scared?
How did you find courage?
Did you tell your mother, Anne?
Was there a dear friend?
or did you know
it had to be Elizabeth?
Was she the lifeline
you yearned for?
A woman also
stunned by grace.
As you lay in bed at night,
did the words of the angel
echo in your heart.
Did you repeat it
over and over
trying to understand.
Why me?
Why now?
Did you sense
how big this mission was.
It’s joys and griefs.
You, chosen from all women.
to feel the kicking
in your womb.
bearing in your flesh,
the son of God?
