(21ST DECEMBER)

First Reading: Song of Sol 2:8-14; Psalm: 33. R. v. 1a, 3a; Gospel: Lk 1:39-45

MARY, ARK OF THE COVENANT

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Many of us just like me grew up reciting the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As a little boy, I recited this litany from memory just like any other nursery school poem often sung in class. But if you asked me why all those titles were attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary in her litany, I would obviously have no answer. I guess I am not alone on this. Even presently, some of us still do not understand the meaning of those titles. The gospel reading of today accentuates the reality of one of these titles of Mary: ‘The Ark of the Covenant.’

The Ark of the Covenant for the ancient Israelites was the abiding presence of Yahweh. It was stationed at the Tent of meeting (Ex 40:1-3). Moses often went there to communicate with Yahweh. (Ex 33:9). For the Israelites, the ‘Ark of the Covenant’ was the ‘abiding glory of God’. This explains the Hebrew name Ichabod meaning “The glory of the Lord has departed from Israel” (1Sam 4:19-22). A name given to a baby boy born at the time the Ark of the Covenant was captured and taken away by the Philistines.

The mystery of the incarnation made God present to us in a very special way. At the appointed time, God came to us in human form not to dwell in an ark made by human hands but in the spotless womb of a virgin woman Mary. Mary’s womb became the new ‘Ark of the Covenant’ carrying God’s Divine Son. Now, here are the parallels between the New Ark of the Covenant (Mary) and the old:

Just as Mary journeyed to visit Elizabeth in the hill country of Judah (Lk 1:39); so did the Ark of the Covenant visited Jerusalem from the hill of Abinadad’s house (2Sam 6:3). As John leaped for joy at the presence of Mary (Lk 1:41); so did David danced with joy at the presence of the Ark of the Covenant (2Sam 6:5). As Elizabeth exclaimed: “Why should I be honoured that the mother of my Lord should come to me” (Lk 1:43); so David exclaimed: “How can the Ark of the Lord come to me?” (2Sam 6:9). These parallels are clear indications that Mary is truly the ‘Ark of the Covenant.’

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Ark of the Covenant, pray for us. Amen.