Scripture Reading(s)
Luke 1:46b-55
1:46b “My soul magnifies the Lord,
1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
1:48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
1:49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
1:50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
1:51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
1:52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
1:53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
1:55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Reflections
This is a song that represents both praise and humility. Mary has just been chosen to take on a role that is of the greatest honor and privilege. Taking on the role of being Jesus’ earthly mother was a huge task. This song of praise is filled with Mary recognizing that God is the supreme ruler and that though she has been chosen for such a great role, He is the one worthy to be praised.
Throughout Mary’s song she praises God for all that He has done for the nation of Israel. She points out that He has been merciful, gracious, protective, and provided for them in their time of need. He has removed those who were enemies to the nation and gave them victory.
Mary is truly exemplifying what it means to praise God and give all the Glory back to Him. She is filled with an insurmountable amount of joy and is giving the appropriate response when God deems us lowly humans as worthy of doing His work. Let us emulate Mary’s response when God chooses to show us His love, by using us to as His vessels, to accomplish His work.
Mary was not unaware of the weight that would be placed on her shoulders. She was also not unaware that she would go down in history. Through both the joy and the fear of bearing the Christ-child she remained humble and with an attitude of service. One might ask why Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Lord. I believe that her heart of service and humility were some of the qualities that make Mary the right choice.
While we are not in line for the same role as Mary, we also have a God-given purpose. We are called to be the banner bearer for the kingdom of God. We are the hands and feet of the Lord on the earth. Yet, without the same humility, grace, and steadfastness that Mary had we will not be up to the task. It is imperative that we exhibit a servant’s willingness to work for the gospel.