Behold the Virgin

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:22-23

Today Catholics celebrate the birthday of the blessed Virgin, frequently a stumbling block for other Christians who do not understand why we make so much of her. We call Mary the the Ark of the Covenant. See how the New Testament is concealed in the Old, and the Old is revealed and fulfilled in the New. 

The Holy Spirit overshadowed and then indwelled the Ark just as the Spirit overshadowed and indwelled Mary. Both Mary and the Ark became the dwelling place of the presence of God. Just as Mary traveled to the house of Elizabeth and stayed there for 3 months, so was the Ark brought to Obed-Edom, only a short distance away from Ein Kerem (Elizabeth's place in the hill country), and remained there for 3 months. John the Baptist, of priestly lineage, while in his mother's womb, leapt at the approach of Mary. So too David, dressed as a priest, leapt and danced before the ark. Inside of the Ark of the Covenant, were the stone tablets of the Law, the manna from the wilderness, and the rod of Aaron, the proof of true priesthood. Inside Mary's womb, was the Word of God made flesh, the Bread of Life, and the actual and eternal High Priest. (2 Samuel 6, Luke 1:39-41, Hebrews 9:4)

Just like Elizabeth, I ask, "Why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord shall come to me?" Just like David, I ask, "How can the Ark of the Covenant come to me?" Indeed He comes, ever new, ever faithful. I await Him and He comes. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus! I thank the mother of Jesus who said yes in her obedience and humility so God’s more than wonderful plan can be fulfilled.