December 11th - Reflection

Third Sunday of Advent
Luke 1:46b-55 (NRSV)
The Mighty One raises the lowly
"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."

Reflection
I wonder when Mary sat down to write this passage? Was she alone? Perhaps she was still with Elizabeth. What about the research into Jewish scripture for references? Did Mary contemplate the meaning of Scripture and slowly begin to realize the depth of her pregnancy? Or did the full meaning of giving birth to Jesus set in all at once?

I wonder if the words just flowed, as if Mary was guided by the Holy Spirit? How many times did she ponder the written Word and then take out her own humanity from the words so that this became God's Word. A reference to that very Word becoming flesh and growing and developing right inside of Mary.

What a wonderful feeling this must have been. Not only for Mary but for Elizabeth also. Elizabeth had an important life growing within her also. It's as if both unborn babies had already communicated and were laying out the plan for the salvation of all the world.


I wonder when Mary sat down to write this passage? Was she alone? Perhaps she was still with Elizabeth. I'm sure the Triune God was present then. And all of humanity throughout all time somehow too. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you always manage to pull off the unexpected. You come to humble creatures and use us willingly to advance your will and your way. What an honor you bestow on your humble, lowly servants. What an event you have in store for us when we come in relationship with you. You are God and greatly to be praised! You have rescued us from our selfish sinful ways and brought us the hope of life. As we go out into the world this day, may your Light shine brightly in the darkness, and if you would shine it right through me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen