Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV)
Read Luke 1:46-55 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
Mary sings. She sings Hannah's song (1 Samuel 2:1-10), making it hers and making it ours. God has looked favorably on Mary and on us. The world of "might makes right" and "look out for your own" is turned upside down. The humble hungry eat and the ruthless rich are put to shame. The world becomes what God meant it to be. Only God can do this. Only God is holy enough and merciful enough. God's mercy is forever and for all—for the poor who plead ceaselessly because they must and for the rich who give generously because they can. All who follow God are made servants together—servants of God and of one another. This is what the kingdom of God will look like.
Prayer
God, overturn in us everything that stands in the way of your just and merciful kingdom. Make us your
servants for Jesus' sake. Amen.