About my favorite church.
The church is settled in Nazareth, where Mary and Joseph lived, and where it is said Jesus grew up.
Today, the town is Arab Israeli.
Not part of "Palestine" (Gaza or West Bank).
Not really identified with Israel.
You may have guessed by now: the church is filled with images of Mary.
All kinds of nations have space here to display their portrait of the Holy Mother.
At other religious sights it seems as though different hands of church and state are ripping the place apart.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, for example, where - the story goes - a ladder still remains propped against a wall because the different groups sharing the space are unable to agree on anything, even whether or not to move a ladder.
The Church of the Annunciation seems different.
At the Church of the Annunciation, it is as though all of those stakeholders are fingers in the hands holding this holy space.
of create ivity.
In the Bible, when Mary receives the angel's message, she responds with a song known as the Magnificat.
As with many things from this place, as told through the books in the bible and my faith tradition, it seems particularly relevant to an occupied people:
My soul glorifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.
He looks on his servant in her lowliness;
henceforth all ages will call me blessed.
The Almighty works marvels for me.
Holy is his name!
His mercy is from age to age,
on those who fear him.
He puts forth his arm in strength
and scatters the proud-hearted.
He casts the mighty from their thrones
and raises the lowly.
He fills the starving with good things,
send the rich away empty.
The song goes on:
He protects Israel, his servant,
remembering his mercy,
the mercy promised to our fathers,
to Abraham and his sons for ever.
It is interesting to be with such long standing families in the Christian tradition. To hear stories of families who work olive orchards that were tended by the great, great, greats of their family 2000 years ago.
It is sad to hear how many families in similar situations have lost their land in the occupation. They fled as refugees from their homes when the state of Israel was formed, or were cut off from the land when the wall was constructed, or saw their ancient trees bulldozed because they were in a newly classified zone.
I wonder what it is like for these families to take comfort in Mary's words, and then to hear the promises to Israel.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
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