Another person we will be spending some time in advent with is Mary, mother of Jesus. Mary is a highly - albeit, unintentionally - divisive woman. Ignored, largely, by protestants. One mention of Mary and most protestants run a mile. An odd response to the one who the Bible calls 'blessed'(Lk. 1:42).
Mary on the other hand is loved by catholics including anglican ones. But it seems to me that much of the catholic piety is just ridiculous(e.g the perpetual virginity of Mary). Mary just can't be a woman in her own right. She needs to be a submissive and virginal one, forever! Contemporary catholic Marian piety is often just a disguise for patriarchy. Many of the anglican - catholic clergy who will seek to be associated with Rome will tell you they honour Mary and perhaps even pray to her; yet they can't accept the ministry of women. No brainer...
Yet, at the same time, many find in Mary a model of a strong woman who listens and is obedient to God's call. Mary was given the ultimate responsibility and ministry of bringing God's 'word made flesh' into the world.
So where does Mary fit? How do we honour her without the nonsense?
Chris
'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?' (Lk 1: 42).
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