Thursday 20 December

Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 23 (24):1-6; Luke 1:26-38

Consent illumined her

More often than not we are told of Mary’s seemingly meek obedience to the request of God made through the angel. Denise Levertov in her poem, ‘The Annunciation’ highlights her courage. Mary did not cry out ‘I can’t,’ or ‘I am not worthy,’ or ‘I am not strong enough.’ Neither did she ‘not submit with gritted teeth, raging, coerced.’ Levertov tells us succinctly - ‘consent illumed her,’ and continues, ‘consent, courage unparalleled opened her utterly.’ How might consent and courage open me utterly to God?