In case you want to get a head start on Advent, these few thoughts about the Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-56). In our turbulent times, the words of this prayer remain true in our turbulent times. At any time of the year….
I have reprinted here the Magnificat’s words for your reading—and rejoicing—pleasure:
Mary said:
With all my heart I praise the Lord, and I am glad because of God my Savior. God cares for me, his humble servant. From now on, all people will say God has blessed me. God All-Powerful has done great things for me, and his name is holy. He always shows mercy to everyone who worships him. The Lord has used his powerful arm to scatter those who are proud. God drags strong rulers from their thrones and puts humble people in places of power. God gives the hungry good things to eat, and sends the rich away with nothing. God helps his servant Israel and is always merciful to his people. The Lord made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his family forever! (Contemporary English Version)
See yourself in here? Your deepest yearnings, your own prayers to God for wisdom and courage? Your older adult self transposed into the mind of young Mary? Your fears calmed by her fierce faith? Your personal thoughts given new words?
I’ve always loved this prayer, including its implicit call to contemplate my roles in what God is surely accomplishing. My identity as a Christian. Perhaps also my possible complicity in not helping this prayer become true. Mary’s strong words assure me about what God is doing to punish evil.
I hope you are also inspired by this song, and that you’ll sing it with joy from now until Christmas!
Magnificat indeed!
