Dcn Anne Strong

Luke 1: 46-55
Mary’s song of praise
And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,
for He has looked with favor 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 forever.”

My Dear Sisters and Brothers:

The above verses in Luke’s Gospel are “Mary’s Freedom Song” or “A Christmas Carol of Justice.” They have become known as The Magnificat. In it we learn Mary’s plans, hopes and dreams for her baby. Mary sings of her assurance that, while nervous, she is confident that God has things all under control.

We cannot forget that Mary lived in a community that would ostracize her. She was betrothed, but not married. She was a virgin, but who would believe? Her life was revolutionary.

Verse #51 is another example of revolutionary: “He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud…” which conveys a moral revolutionary thought. She is speaking of the death of pride, which, in the 21st century, we cling to. Oft turning a blind eye to those in need, which includes ourselves. We refuse to ask for help.

A third example of revolutionary is evidence of Mary’s social justice frame of mind. Mary sings “He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.” God is using a poor girl to bring the greatest gift.

Lastly, there is reference to an economic revolution. Luke 1: 53 says: “He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.” As a Christian society, why do we have hungry people? Those who cannot afford medicine? Long-term care? Rent? If our status is to be based upon our bank accounts… wealth need not be a bad thing. We have a choice…will we use our wealth to glorify God?

God I ask your pardon where my pride has gotten the best of me, where I have chosen “I” instead of “Thou.”

In hope and love,
Deacon Anne