MARY OF NAZARETH: MODEL OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (LK 1: 26-56) – NARRATIVE OF THE FAITH OF A LITTLE ONE

Abstract

The figure of Mary, in the beginning of the Lukan catechesis, has an important narrative role: to present her as the model for the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. Mary embodies what the disciples are called to be, as they let themselves guided by the Master throughout the gospel. Luke 1: 26-56 describes the dynamics of the faith of a “liale one”, who recognizes herself as a “humble servant,” without any socio-religious importance, in whom the Lord “did great things”. This article explains the deep aspects of faith of the “liale” Mary of Nazareth, as servant of the Lord and servant of the neighbor, in whom contemplation and action intertwine and whose faith is proclaimed in the Magnificat. The narrative dialogue with her cousin Elizabeth describes about the two “liale ones” expressing their faith in the God of Israel who is aaentive to the disadvantaged and marginalized of the history. The selected Lukan pericope speaks of the peripheries as the privileged places of faith and the poor as the most apt to understand the action of God in favor of the humanity which is in need of salvation.