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.’” vss. 46b-48a
Luke 1:46b-50
Sometimes the words of scripture become so commonplace to us that we don’t quite recognize their significance. Here we have the gospel writer Luke beginning his account by giving voice to a woman! That didn’t happen with Matthew or Mark and is an introduction to Luke’s inclusive style in describing Jesus’ ministry. In allowing the mother of Jesus to sing for joy as she visits Elizabeth, Luke uses her profound humility to establish the parameters for any who wish to carry Jesus close to their hearts. Mary reminds us in spectacular fashion that God uses the most unlikely persons in becoming incarnate in our world. When we are awake and alert to the people around us the signs are unmistakable. Those who we are apt to discount because of our cultural biases are regularly those in whom we see the grace and the mercy of God up close and personal. Their smiles are genuine and loving and their gentle words come straight from the heart. They know that God has smiled on their lowliness and they’re thrilled to be one of the chosen. Many such persons are the women in our lives, and we can rejoice that in our time old prejudices are being discarded. Mary had a wonderful song for the world! And now, as millions join in the singing, we can be certain that blessings will abound!
Thought for the Day: Why has it been hard for women to find their voice?
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