Virgin Mary

She was about 16 years old, engaged, and pregnant. This situation was scandalous. Her story – that she was ‘with child’ by the will of God and the Holy Spirit - was ‘unbelievable’ to people, and even to her betrothed, Joseph. For this reason he planned to ‘divorce her’ – or break the engagement – and disappear. (Luke 1-2)
 
Why would God make his entry in this scandalous way? Why put Mary through this? Why put Joseph and everyone else through this? What a powerful test of faith and of ‘judgment’ for everyone involved, and everyone looking on! Everything ‘acceptable’ aboI cannot answer on God’s behalf, but I do defer this reflection to you:
 
God’s ‘entry’ to this life shook everyone and every ‘norm’ to the core. And he ‘began’ this life, as he meant to go on! His whole life was one of challenging the hearts and perceptions of all mankind, particularly regarding his identity – which is the cornerstone of his message. He was ‘God in the flesh’ (John 1:14), and through him we can all defy death, be made pure and live forever! (John 10:9) His life was a crucifixion of our pride, so in our pride we crucified him. But then he called us to carry on his life, through his power. He called us to take up our cross and follow him. (Mk 8:34-38)
 
Is your life hard? I bet it is! Are you misunderstood? Do you feel God himself has turned his back on you? So did Christ. (Mt 27:46) Christ will meet you on your hard path and make it a path of life, if you let him. He walked your walk so that he could walk with you. Will you let him?