Mary sings
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowly state 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…”
Luke 1:46-49 (NRSVUE)
The name Mary is Mariam in Greek, but another form is Miriam, who as we know was the sister of Moses. Miriam was a courageous woman and loved to sing. She sang passionately of God’s victory when he led the Israelites safely across the Red Sea, destroying the Egyptian armies (Exodus 15:20-27).
In today’s Header scripture from Luke 1, we see Mary the mother of Jesus singing. Her song is often known as ‘The Magnificat’ and she sings of God’s faithful rescue, but this time it is not the Israelite slaves who are saved but ‘His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.’ (v.50).
Mary sings of God’s vision for a future world where things are turned upside down and those who are proud, wealthy and powerful are sent away empty while the lowly are raised up and given honour. ‘He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination 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.’ (vv.51-53).
Mary speaks of a time when God will reverse the world’s systems of power and corruption; when injustices will cease because God cares deeply about people, even those who are looked down on by others, those who are marginalised and powerless. The child growing in her womb was the promise and hope of a better fairer society, a world in which Jesus would reign with justice and peace for all.
God cared for people over 2,000 years ago when Mary sang, and he cares for us today. He sees us all, loves us all, and affirms that we matter. When we invite him into our hearts his love changes us, and we too learn to care for others, we too long for a just and equitable society.
As homiletics Professor O. Wesley Allen, Jr from Lexington Theological Seminary reminds us, our salvation cannot be separated from changing the way the world works. He says, ‘Our salvation is part and parcel of the saving of the world.’1
Let us add our voice and sing alongside Mary, magnifying and rejoicing in our God and Saviour Jesus Christ who not only offers us salvation but is changing the world.
Prayer
Our heavenly Father, we know you grieve over the things you see in this world – the wars, corruption, pain, and suffering that human beings inflict on each other. But through the birth, death and resurrection of your Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ, you have ushered in a new world order, and although it is not fully realised yet, when Jesus returns it will be. We long for that time and pray it will be soon, Amen.
1 Commentary on Luke 1:39-45 [46-55] – Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
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Study by: Jackie Mill About the author: |
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