No sooner had these priestly bearers of the ark waded into the waters at the edge of the Jordan…than the waters flowing from upstream halted…Thus the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Joshua 3:15-16
When I was younger, the flare for drama in me loved the image of the Levites bearing the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders or marching into battle with it preceding the line of attack or crossing the Jordan River with it held high above them. As the years went by, I realized that I bear not just the container of God but God himself in my very being. And God’s presence surrounds me, enfolds me, protects me whether I am at rest, doing battle with my emotions or teaching.
No one realized this more intensely than Mary herself. Intimately entwined with her son, Mary brought forth Jesus for the world to treasure and adore. Others could now be as intimately united with Jesus as she was. This is our great privilege and calling: to be united with Jesus, now and forever.
We give thanks for you today, Mary. May we, too, be the handmaids of the Lord.
Sr. Charleen Hug, S.N.D.
Originally published August 13, 2009
Image Credit: Benjamin West: Joshua passing the River Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant (Public Domain)
