Magnificat

Luke 1, 46-56
And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; 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. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home.

The reading assigned for today is Mary’s song of praise and deliverance, the Magnificat.

I can look back at the history of my people (my family and friends) and recall events that were, in fact, a deliverance from peril. I can recall times when situations were upended and things were made “right”. In the midst of those deliverances, however, there were often people lamenting the length and depth of the trials. At times the realignment of the family’s priorities seemed unfair or untrustworthy. In the midst of seemingly impossible or incorrigible situations, it was the promise of God’s powerful presence that gave us hope and peace. God’s presence in Christ transcended our ability to figure things out or bring about a quick fix. It wasn’t up to us to understand precisely the pace and timing of events…we had to faithfully walk the path of our trials, trusting in God’s ultimate promises of deliverance.

Mary’s Song invites each of one of us to remember the great things that God has done for us. If you are reading this right now, chances are you are also safe, warm, fed, and free to make choices on your own……How do your present circumstances give testimony to God’s delivering power in your life? Express your gratitude. Your prayer of thanksgiving and praise is, in fact, the song of your soul which "magnifies the Lord."