The Perplexity Theory

This December, a series of daily Advent, devotional postings is running from December 1st to December 25^th. Journey beside Mary, the Mother of God, as she waits for the birth of Jesus.

Scripture: “My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:9).

Quote of the Day: “

Cling to His most sweet Mother who carried a Son whom the heavens could not contain; and yet she carried Him in the little enclosure of her holy womb and held Him on her virginal lap (St. Clare of Assisi).

Song Suggestions:
“Run to You,” by Third Day
“Glorious,” by the Newsboys
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Questions: Do I run toward God or away from him? Does fear or perplexity keep me from doing His will? What obstacles are in the way of me encountering Jesus?

MIND

Yesterday, we imagined Joseph’s reaction to Mary’s news with the “Suspicion Theory” as our basis. Today, we will imagine Joseph’s reaction to Mary’s news with what Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch call the “Perplexity Theory” (Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament; Second Catholic Editions RSV Notes pg. 8).

Joseph’s mouth drops as he looks at Mary. She does not look pregnant! But this angel she speaks of came to her just yesterday to announce this.

Strange sounds come from Joseph’s mouth. “Eh…” he starts, “Uh…” he continues, “Ahh…” he searches, “Hooowww…”

“How can this be?” Mary finishes for him, her eyebrows knotted in concern for him.

Joseph nods, not even looking at her. He tries to gulp but is having trouble swallowing.

“I also asked the angel how this can be since I have never been with a man. But he told me that nothing would be impossible for God.” Mary smiles as she remembers that splendid moment. She places a hand over her womb.

Joseph’s head is spinning. He has known this woman for years. She is a peaceful, kind, holy Nazarene woman. His betrothal to her was the most blessed occurrence in his life! Or, so he thought! That such a pure, chaste virgin would be his wife!

Ah, but she still must be a pure, chaste virgin! Joseph cannot believe otherwise! Mary is a virgin! Perhaps she did not actually see an angel and it was all in her head. Or, if for some miraculous reason, she did see an angel, then she must have misinterpreted his message! She cannot seriously be pregnant. She must think she is…unless some man was with her….or forced himself upon her…

Joseph’s vision blurs. He has to divorce this woman. That is his only choice. Such things are beyond him!
Fearful and puzzled, Joseph turns from Mary and runs away.

(Scripture Inspiration and Reference: Matthew 1:18-19; Luke 1:26-38)

HEART

In today’s scenario, Joseph is not suspicious of Mary committing adultery. Rather, he is just confounded. Logically, a virgin conceiving makes no sense. Joseph does not understand these things and his reaction is to run away from Mary and divorce her.

Let us look at our own spiritual lives. When we see something that is confusing or perplexing, we often run away from it. Maybe there is a part of the Catholic faith that makes us uneasy. Maybe the big “Why does God allow suffering?” question really makes us panic. Perhaps we question why someone supposedly holy, like a priest, would preach incorrect theology or commit crimes of sexual abuse. We may also wonder why we should give any attention to Mary if Jesus is the One Who is God.

We can also be perplexed about more personal things. Why was I born here? Why do I have this family? Why do I look the way I do? Why do I act the way I do? Why do I have to go to school? Why do I have to go to work? Why do I have to die? Why does eternity sound scary to me?

When we are frightened by such marvels and questions, we are often tempted to just run away and hide. Just think of the crucifix. Pain and suffering are super scary and we may not want to look straight at Jesus. But if we turn away and run away from the cross, we are going to miss Him!

Think of the women and the apostles during Jesus’ passion. All of the apostles but John ran away while all of the women, including Mary, followed Jesus and waited vigilantly by the cross.

By the time of the crucifixion, Mary had a lot of practice at waiting. She stood by Jesus when He was in her womb by impossible means. And she would remain beside Jesus on the cross as He died.

SOUL

Jesus, I run to You and cling to You. I am puzzled and confused about many things, but I stand with Your Mother. Instead of running from You, I choose to wait with You.

Mary, I don’t understand a lot of things. May I accompany you as you hold Jesus in your womb? May I stand beside you at the cross?

Mary, teach me how to wait.