Advent IV - Mary as a model for a Servant of God

What does it mean to be innocent yet WILLING?  Ask Ruby Bridges.

1. Meaning: Done, given, accepted, or borne voluntarily or ungrudgingly. Mary is our model for a willing servant of God.
2. To be willing does not require understanding - such as taking orders or requests.
3. Some are willing in the midst of adversity or danger, their spirit overcomes uncertainty or fear and they accept the outcomes prior to acting.
4. Some balance the outcomes or ‘good’ which benefits the community.
5. Spock once said, "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few".
6. John Stuart Mill concluded that the "greatest good for the greatest number" is the sum total of the moral and ethical choice to make.
7. Do arguments or moral rightness sway us to do the ‘right’ thing?
8. The inclination to do what is best or right or good is the result, many have concluded, of having formed a certain kind of ‘character’ which guides us.
9. To choose to do the best for others, in the midst of conflict, is called brave or heroic. If there were not risk, there is no bravery or courage.
10. To choose the right thing to do when it is likely no one is aware except the actor is a result of and reinforces the moral fiber or ‘character’ of the individual.
11. Some well known for such character are: the prophets, Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Dorothy Day, Dietrich Bonhoeffer , and Martin Luther King, Jr.
12. Some are children.(See art above)
13. While conscience is not always ‘right’ in assessing a situation, the resolve to do what one judges as moral or ethical is a demonstration of depth of character.
14. When one understands what principles govern many rules and practices, one them might make choices those who do not comprehend the precedence of principles will not necessarily understand or agree with.
15. Mary is an example to us of the character of an innocent young woman who was willing to accept the desire of God to take on human flesh and dwell among us.
16. The four Sundays of Advent:
1. Mary is our example in her WONDER at the beauty of creation.
2. Mary is our example in her WATCHING the miracles of God unfold.
3. Mary is our example in her WAITING for God’s will to be clear.
4. Mary is our example in her WILLINGNESS to be God’s handmaiden.
17. In Short, Mary offered herself totally to the service of God.
18. "O GOD, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."  - This is the Collect for Peace from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer.