87: Mary’s Song {Luke 1:39-56}
Believe it or not, if you are listening in real-time, Christmas is just a few days away. And so, as we continue to approach what we’ve been waiting for, today I’d like to offer a simple reading of what might be a familiar passage this time of year. I’ll also share a few questions for reflection that I hope you can consider and carry with you as we make our way through these last couple weeks of 2022. As always, I hope it serves you well.
A reading from Luke 1:39-56 in the New International Version:
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Mary’s Song
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Just before this passage, Mary learns from Gabriel that she will bear God’s Son and it is probably safe to assume that for Mary, the implications of this news were terrifying. And yet, once Mary is with Elizabeth, she is able to settle in. Elizabeth reminds her that this news is, in fact, very good news. Elizabeth provides welcome and encouragement. So much so, that Mary’s quiet fear turns to exuberant song. Elizabeth was the reminder Mary needed.
I wonder who the Elizabeths are in your life.
And I wonder how God might be calling you to be an Elizabeth for someone else.
The song Mary sings has been called revolutionary. It celebrates God fulfilling God’s promise, turning the status quo on its head, a giant leap toward making all things right.
I wonder where you might see a need for something to be made right. In our world, in your community, in your family, maybe even in your very own heart.
And I wonder how God might be calling you to participate in that Kingdom work.
With the help of Elizabeth, Mary “believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” Today, may the same be true for you. If you feel like you can’t, may you be surrounded by others who can, who will believe on your behalf. Together, may we learn to trust that something is growing, that we are becoming, and that God is with us through it all.