June 20, 2015: Luke 1:39-56

Luke 1:39-56

                  ³⁹In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, ⁴⁰where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit ⁴²and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. ⁴³And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? ⁴⁴For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” ⁴⁶And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷and 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.” ⁵⁶And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Reflection Questions:                

 It is not uncommon today to have baby showers, baby "sprinkles" and even gender reveal parties. We celebrate new life in our families, friend groups, and churches with parties, gifts, and pictures. Every birth is a cause for rejoicing, but Mary and Elizabeth rejoice in a very different way than that to which we are accustomed.  Mary celebrates her pregnancy by singing Hannah's song. Mary's song of praise is based on Hannah's song when we learned she was pregnant with Samuel. Both women, realizing they were with child celebrated by praising God and proclaiming God's justice.

                  From the beginning, even before his birth, Jesus was associated with the lifting up of the lowly, providing for the hungry, the reversal of fortune and wealth so often seen in his preaching and ministry. Her song reveals the high expectations of a first time mother, but throughout his ministry Jesus carried out these hopes and dreams of Mary.  We all have hopes for the great things we or our children will accomplish. However, Mary shows here that our most important aspiration should be to participate in God's work of mercy, justice and compassion.

Questions:

 1. What are my dreams, goals, and aspirations? Are they in line with what God is asking of me?

2. What talents and gifts has God given me for service?

3. How can I better incorporate my faith into my decisions about my life and work?

Prayer:

 Holy God who knits us together and knows our every want and desire, help me to discern the role that you have set before me. Allow me to participate in your work on earth and to use my gifts and blessings for your service. Guide me in every area of my life, in Jesus' name. Amen.