There's something about Mary

These days, it isn't easy to find someone named Mary. How many persons named Mary do you have in your social circle? How many children named Mary do you personally know? Well, I only know 3 personally, all adults in their 50s/60s, and none of my friends (well, including me!) have given this name to their daughters.

What's wrong with this name? Has it gone out of vogue, and yet not retro enough to make a comeback? Or perhaps the name sounds too plain & uninteresting, like Jane or John, but hey, there's something about the Maries during Jesus' time that will make you sit up and pay attention. They are no plain Janes, or in anyway similar to Mary who had a little lamb.

Mary#1: Jesus' mother

This was one spunky young woman who dared to be different and stayed true to her appointment. Who would like to be found pregnant out of wedlock, especially during those days where people are stoned for adultery and crucified for theft? Yet, Mary possessed character, integrity and devotion that would put many of today's world leaders and CEOs to shame. What was her response when told of her unsolicited appointment to bear the Saviour of the world?

Luke 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

Mary#2: Sister of Martha & Lazarus

This is another woman who saw and behaved consistently towards Jesus as a VVVVIP. Others may have believed but they didn't show it as much as she did. She was the one who wiped Jesus' feet with her hair, and anoint his feet and head with her prized possession of expensive perfume which was probably worth $30-50K by today's standard (a year's wages, isn't it?). She did this to prepare for his burial, and Jesus wasn't even her immediate relative. Would we do that today? Furthermore, both Mary and her sister Martha have consistently hosted Jesus as their important guest, and gave him their undivided attention and devotion throughout his ministry on earth.

This Mary, she gave her best to Jesus, without batting an eyelid or two.

Mary#3: Mary Magdalene

This lady was a committed & faithful follower. She was once demon-possessed, but after Jesus had cast 7 demons out of her, she served him faithfully. And guess what, she has the honour of being the first Jesus appeared to after his resurrection.

Mark 16:9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.

How does that sound, considering that she wasn't even one of the 12 disciples of Jesus?

Mary - ordinary name, extra-ordinary lives.

May God bless you readers,

Thomas