What we generally refer to as the “real world”, is largely constructed by human beings. It is a necessary fiction. Imagine trying to live without (at least some) shared meaning and values, agreed rules, regulations, and so on. Chaos and anarchy would ensue – at least until someone or some group takes charge and constructs an alternative “real world”. Dystopian movies such as the Mad Max series make much of this horrible possibility.
An early twentieth century philosopher reminds us what is going on behind our individual and communal constructions: “Life is at the start a chaos in which one is lost. The individual suspects this, but he is frightened at finding himself face to face with this terrible reality and tries to cover it over with a curtain of fantasy, where everything is clear. It does not worry him that his 'ideas' are not true, he uses them as trenches for the defence of his existence, as scarecrows to frighten away reality. The man with the clear head is the man who frees himself from those fantastic 'ideas' and looks life in the face, realizes that everything in it is problematic, and feels himself lost. As this is the simple truth – that to live is to feel oneself lost – he who accepts it has already begun to find himself, to be on firm ground” (José Ortega y Gasset, The Revolt of the Masses, W W Norton, 1957, 157).
It cannot be overemphasized that we must construct “worlds”. The alternative is madness. So, are we condemned to a choice between fiction and madness? Today’s Gospel – Luke 1:39-56 – gives a powerful reply to that question.
Firstly, Luke reminds us that our constructed “worlds” can in fact be sacramental. They are context for the Incarnation! Every person, every event and everything, is constantly saying: “Not me, more than me!” Blessed are they who appreciate the sacramentality of the “real world”. The “real world” – pathetic as it may be or grand as it may seem – ultimately has value because it is the place God has chosen to dwell. God is with us! The death of expectations – expectations unconsciously constructed in tune with the “real world” – can be a breakthrough moment. The very fragility of the “real world” and its sheer inability to give us what we really want, is in fact full of grace.
Thus, secondly, Luke’s Gospel speaks to us of the reversals of the “real world”: “He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty”. This pattern of reversal can be seen in the choices God makes of people who are to take on special roles. Mary is to be understood in this context. She questions the angel: “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34). The angel reminds Mary that “nothing is impossible to God” (1:37). Mary’s response is exemplary: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (1:38). With this as the background, our Gospel today then says simply: “Mary set out . . .”
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