The Reverend Christine Mbona writes:

God’s servant-maids: bearers of Christ today

Lenten tidings and greetings in the name of Jesus Christ

On 25 March, the Church celebrates the Annunciation—the moment when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary with the message of God’s divine plan. Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38)—echoes across time, calling us to reflect on our response to God’s mission. Mary the mother of our Lord, was chosen, trusted, and favoured, not for her status, but for her willingness to carry Christ into the world.

God honoured a woman to bring forth the Savior of the world. In a time of modern slavery, unsafe migration, poverty, and climate change, we remember that Mary was an ordinary village girl, despised culturally and looked down upon by societal structures as a woman, yet she was honoured by God. With that honour, may God use us this year as we seek to make Mary’s Day and the Annunciation more than a celebration.

As we celebrate Mary’s Day, Lady’s Day, and Mother’s Day in 2025, we are reminded of the sacred roles women fulfil, not only within their families, but in society and the world. The visitation of Mary to Elizabeth was not simply a meeting between two expectant mothers; it was a moment of recognition, affirmation, and joy in God’s unfolding plan. Elizabeth proclaimed, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45). This blessing extends to us today.

Is God still visiting people? Yes! God continues to call, equip, and trust His people to bear Christ’s presence in a world torn by war, suffering, conflicts, and social injustice. The question is: how do we respond? Like Mary, do we accept this in faith, or do we hesitate?  As women of faith and members of the Mothers’ Union, we are bearers of Christ—not just in word, but in action. We carry Him through acts of love, justice, reconciliation, and service. Trusted and favoured by God, may we boldly bring His presence into the places of need and pain.

Today, motherhood extends far beyond biological ties. It encompasses all who nurture, guide, and protect life in any form—whether through mentoring, teaching, fostering, or providing care to those in need. The world cries out in need of the compassionate and steadfast love that mothering offers. In a time of crisis, division, and despair, we are called to mother our communities, to birth hope, to nurture peace, and to strengthen faith.

The call to servanthood is not passive—it is active. It is a call that goes beyond receiving a bunch of flowers and kind words. It is a call to stand for the marginalized, to seek justice, to bring healing to the broken, and to speak truth in love. Mary did not merely accept the angel’s words; she lived them out with courage. We, too, must embody our faith with courage, not merely speaking about Christ, but also making Him visible through our deeds.

Let this be a moment of action, a time of renewed commitment to serve and support those in desperate need. As Mothers’ Union members and supporters of the MU, let us take our place in standing with and supporting those affected by war, especially our brothers and sisters suffering in Gaza. May we embody Mary’s spirit of faith and humility, responding to God’s call with love, justice, and unwavering compassion.

Yet, this call is not for members of the Mothers’ Union alone—it is for every woman, every person, regardless of background or differences. We all are bearers of Christ, called to bring His light into the world. Mother Teresa had no child, was not married, yet she understood deeply what it meant to carry Christ to the world, what it means to be a mother in the truest sense—one who nurtures, loves, and serves. May we, too, unite in this calling, standing together beyond our differences, as one in Christ.

Let us, like Mary, submit to God’s plan and mission. Let us be His servant-maids in today’s world, bringing Christ to those who need Him most. May our response, like Mary’s, be one of faith, courage, and unwavering trust: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Amen.

Image credit: Bernardo Ramonfaur/Dreamstime