Mary against aerial spraying

The angel Gabriel came to Mary and said, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.

But the angel said, “Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great and shall rightly be called son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever and his reign shall have no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be if I am a virgin?” And the angel said to her, “the Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born shall be called Son of God. Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in old age, although she was unable to have a child, and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible.”

Then Mary said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said.”And the angel left her.

Luke 1: 26-38

As of the time of this writing (8 December 2009), two groups are fighting it out for their rights in different locations in Manila. Residents of a portion of land along the Pasig river in Santolan, Pasig have put up barricades to block the entrance of demolition teams composed of MMDA men escorted by SWAT teams and operatives of the PNP. Another group, the 12 Davao farmers fighting against “aerial spray,” has set up camp in front of the Department of Agriculture. While these groups are struggling for their rights, the rest of the Catholic world celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

I just received a text message from the Davao farmers which says, "Kasama c Maria sa laban ng MAAS" said Fr. Venus of Quiapo Church, who just celebrated Immaculate Conception Mass at Maas camp. "Farmers abt 2 start noise barrage at gate of DA para maningil sa pangakong order banning AS.”

A mass was celebrated on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in solidarity with Davao farmers fighting against “aerial spraying” in banana plantations in various parts of Davao. The priest who celebrated the mass said, “Kasama c Maria sa laban ng MAAS (Mary is involved in the fight of the Davao farmers).” I am glad that a different Mary is presented by the priest. I am glad that the priest connected Mary with the struggle of lowly farmers for their right to health and livelihood. While many churches will celebrate masses and even hold processions in honor of the Blessed Mother, at least one mass was celebrated for and with poor farmers fighting for their rights. Mary was a poor peasant girl whom Joseph, a poor carpenter, married. They lived poor, ordinary and dignified lives. They did not enjoy any privilege, much less the usual comfort and luxury of the rich and famous. Their profound Jewish faith and strong love for each other made them an exemplary couple. Thousands of years later, Joseph and Mary have become important fixtures in big churches all over the world. Devotion to both Joseph and Mary has become quite popular with both rich and poor Catholics alike. However, these devotions have gradually distanced people from the original reality of Joseph’s and Mary’s lives. Their veneration has elevated them, placed them on pedestals where they seem to sadly look down on those who suffer, who in turn look up at them.

In today’s gospel, Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel who revealed to her God’s special favor. Mary is afraid but the angel assures her of God’s protection and blessing. Mary’s role in salvation history has been to serve as an instrument of God’s protection and blessing to the people. The church is called to bring Mary close to the people, especially the poor.

The votive mass on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, held at the camp of poor Davao farmers, in front of the Department of Agriculture, pays a unique and profound homage to Mary, who is seen not as distant and apart, but intimately involved in the struggle of the poor for their rights and lives. What a gift to Mary! What a gift from Mary to the poor farmers of Davao!

Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Pray for your poor Davao farmers who for the last four months have been campaigning against “aerial spray.” May their fight be heeded by government, and may it inspire others to also stand and speak up for their rights. Amen.

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