Luke 1:46b-55 (NRSV)
Read Luke 1:46b-55 on biblegateway.com
Verse 46And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, Verse 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Verse 48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; Verse 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Verse 50His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. Verse 51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Verse 52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; Verse 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Verse 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, Verse 55according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
Devotion
Gabriel appears to Mary, and she accepts her holy burden (Luke 1:38). In the Magnificat she praises God for looking with favor on “the lowliness of his servant” and anticipates that all future generations will call her “blessed” when they see what God has done (Luke 1:48). She accepts God’s mission as her own, shining like light into the future. I once saw a miniscule frosted glass manger scene enclosed in a tiny prism, refracting light with crystalline patterns of color and beauty. God’s light is similarly coming to us. As Mary, we are given the opportunity to thankfully accept God’s mission as our own, and refract God’s incarnate love with color and beauty for all to see. Our Magnificat. There are many who yearn for a glimpse of that light and a Magnificat of their own.
Prayer
When we share your love and serve your people, Christ, be our light. Amen.