The Reverence 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.

STRENGTH

Scripture: “Who gives one person speech? Who makes another mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11).

Quote of the Day: “A humble soul does not trust itself, but places all its confidence in God” (St. Faustina Kowalska).

Song Suggestions:
“Holy, Holy, Holy,” by Audrey Assad
“Who Am I?” by Casting Crowns

Questions: Does knowledge of my unworthiness keep me from encountering Jesus?

MIND

Today, we look at one final scenario as to why Joseph intended to divorce Mary. This time, we will meditate on what Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch call the “Reverence Theory” (Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament, Second Catholic Edition RSV Notes pg. 8).

Joseph looks at Mary. Thin as usual, she does not appear to be pregnant. Yet, Joseph knows that what Mary says is true. He knows the holiness of Mary and he recognizes the holiness within her.

“Joseph?” Mary’s soft voice calls to him.

Joseph blinks several times, taking in Mary’s pale blue mantle that wraps around her head and falls down her shoulders. How can such a young woman hold the Messiah within her?

“I believe you, Mary,” Joseph tells her. “I know that nothing is impossible for God.”

Mary’s face lights up with a smile as she takes a step toward her intended. “We shall be the parents of Emmanuel! We shall care for the Savior of our people!”

Joseph’s gut drops and his chest tightens. He takes a step away from Mary. Am I afraid of a woman? A virgin with child is one thing to be afraid of. A virgin carrying his Messiah is totally another thing to be afraid of.

Eyes widening, Joseph tries to gulp. “I cannot…”

“You yourself have agreed that nothing will be impossible for God,” Mary tells him simply.

Joseph groans inwardly. Her eyes are so full of trust and confidence. So much innocence and purity! So much sacredness that he will never have.

“Indeed, nothing is impossible for God,” Joseph says. “But it is impossible for me! A sinful man like myself cannot be the caretaker of the One Who is the Caretaker of the earth!”

“Joseph—”

“Behold, the Son of God!” Joseph cries, waving his hand at Mary’s stomach. “I am not worthy that He should even enter under my roof!”

(Scripture Reference and Inspiration: Matthew 1:18-19; Matthew 8:8; Luke 1:26-38)

HEART

Let’s just think of Joseph who has been waiting to take Mary into his home at the close of their betrothal period. Furthermore, think of Joseph who has been waiting for the Messiah, the chosen King of Israel to come and save his people.

Now, let us think of ourselves as we wait; the big things we wait for and the small things. We wait for Christmas this year. We wait for eternal life as well.

Back to Joseph. What does he do in this scenario? The One he has been waiting for is before him. He knows that Mary holds the Son of God in her womb. Yet, he cannot stand being in the presence of her and her child, as he is all too aware of his unworthiness.

Reverence, piety, humility, and fear of the Lord are gifts. They are what ground us as we remember that we are nothing and God is everything.

But they also remind us that God takes our nothingness and makes us something wonderful. This Advent, let’s not let fear of our inabilities dissuade us from encountering Jesus. Let us indeed praise and worship God with reverence, but let us embrace our nothingness so that God can totally fill us. While we wait, remember that unnecessary reverence may cause us to miss the Lord.

SOUL

Come, Lord Jesus. Come. Jesus, I know that I am not worthy of You. But I also know that You wish to heal me. I thank You for the gift of reverence and awe of You. I ask that You keep me from wallowing in my littleness so that I may marvel at Your greatness.

Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul will be healed (Matthew 8:8).

Patient Mary, I resolve to stand beside you as you wait. With you, I turn from my own imperfections and shortcomings and embrace the goodwill of God in my life.
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Mary, teach me how to wait.