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"What good is it to me if Mary is full of grace and if I am not also full of grace! What good is it to me if the Creator gives birth to a son if I do not also give birth to him in my time and my culture?...We are all meant to be mothers of God."
- Meister Eckhart
"We are all meant to be mothers of God:" such a radical statement! The quote, which is from the great medieval theologian and mystic Meister Eckhart
(c. 1260 - c. 1328), was among the readings for this year's "Lessons and Carols." It's also one of my favorite commentaries on the significance of Christmas. I find
it breathtaking in its claim.
We are ALL meant to be mothers of God? Really?
What does that even mean?
I believe that Eckhart is saying something important about how we are to regard Jesus' birth. He wants to make it very clear that it is not just an historic event. It is not a one-time occurrence. Not for Christians, it isn't - or at least it's not meant to be. It is, rather, intended to be an ongoing, daily reality. We are, each one of us, meant not only to carry Jesus in our hearts but also to give birth to him in our lives. We do that with our actions, with how we treat people, both with those near to us and with each and every stranger who crosses our path - especially those in need (and if we could see inside each other's hearts we'd know that that includes just about everyone.) This entails far more than simple courtesy, although these days that itself is precious enough. It involves a radical openness, a willingness to embrace each person we encounter for precisely who she is, a beloved child of God, a priceless gift.
I wish you all a joyous Christmas. May that joy continue to unfold long beyond December 25 to embrace you every day that follows.
Peace and grace,
Ernie
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