praising God with Mary

Good morning sisters and brothers,
This morning's reading is a traditionally known as Mary's song, though it's not clear whether Mary sung or spoke these beautiful words of praise. It's also called the Magnificat, which is the first word of the song in Latin. Luke tells the story of the angel announcing to Mary that she will have a son who will be called the Son of God. Right after this announcement, Mary goes to visit her older relative Elizabeth, who is also pregnant in a miraculous way. Elizabeth has never been able to have children and now is too old. Nevertheless, she is pregnant and will give birth to John the Baptist.

Mary goes to see Elizabeth, and Luke tells us that when Mary greets her, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and feels the baby inside her jump for joy. She praises God for Mary's faithfulness and for the salvation Mary's child will bring Israel. Mary responds with this song of praise that proclaims how God is turning the world upside down and caring especially for the poor and oppressed. God's saving love breaks into the world in a new way in Jesus. Let Mary's praise guide your day as we prepare our hearts for Christ.

God bless,
Sam

Luke 1:47-55
47"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."