Mary and Elizabeth

Psalter Reading for December 24, 2023

“Visitation” by Franz Anton Maulbertsch (1724-1796)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Luke 1:46b-55
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This passage is an excerpt from the famous passage known traditionally as The Magnificat.

Here is the context — Mary, upon being told by the Angel Gabriel that she will be the virgin mother of Jesus, is also told that her relative Elizabeth is expecting a child as well. So, like many expecting mothers who welcome fellowship with other moms-to-be, she travels from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea where Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah live (Luke 1:26-45).

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” (Luke 1:42-45).

Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s inspired greeting is her song of praise to Almighty God. The song seems to come from somewhere deep within her soul as she praises God for what he has done for her and for all people through her.

Mary is aware that she has been tremendously honored by this unique visitation — that God has exalted her despite her humble origins. And she also is keenly aware that this experience will transcend her own humble existence:

For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

She recognizes that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God:

For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

Then, in verses 50-55, the song’s scope expands to include all generations, and sounds a theme of social justice that resonates with the same concerns lifted up by the Hebrew prophets of the Old Testament.

She focuses on God’s mercy that is offered to all who fear him down through the ages; but she also lifts up the same concern for the poor and the oppressed and the hungry that was voiced by Isaiah and Amos and Micah and other prophets. Mary’s song proves to be quite counter cultural — the proud are scattered, rulers are deposed from their thrones, the rich lose all that they have!

In contrast, the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier — that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

It is clear that this song of praise is consistent with the Old Testament and the prophetic tradition of social justice and deliverance, and that the promises to Abraham and to Israel are kept inviolable.

APPLY:

It has been said that the Magnificat is one of the most powerful revolutionary documents in all of Scripture, if not all literature. Even a shallow reading leads to the conclusion that God is definitely going to turn the tables on the rich and the powerful, and the poor and humble will be lifted up. There will be a reversal of status and position.

It has even been said that a British bishop in a third world country cautioned his priests against reading this passage aloud in church to the oppressed citizens of their colony, because it might lead to social upheaval and revolution!

But it begins in the life and literally in the womb of a young woman. Her consent to the news that she was to become the mother of the Messiah is a pivotal act in history. By saying, as she does, let it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38), she sets a revolution in motion.

It is not to be a violent revolution, except for those who resist the coming of the Messiah. It is to be a revolution of mercy, lifting the humble from their oppressed social status, and feeding those who are hungry.

The violence that occurs because of the coming of the Messiah is from reactionaries — from those who are aware that they will lose their power and prestige, and who see this woman’s son as a threat to the status quo. They react to his teaching and his healing and his “hunger relief program” by crucifying him, and then by persecuting his followers.

But all of that is to come later — as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed:

scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget that the Scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL!

True, all generations are blessed by that child that has been conceived in Mary. But if I take the words of Scripture seriously, they call me to examine which group I’m a part of — am I arrogant or humble, ruler or ruled, full or hungry?

But more importantly, what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

Our Lord, I cannot improve on Mary’s words. But I am aware that as with Mary you have honored me with your favor simply by offering me your grace and mercy. Forgive me when I crow with the proud and seek to be imperious like the rulers. Give me an identification with the humble and poor so that I might be in ministry to them — because that’s where you are. Amen.

PHOTOS:
"Magnificat" uses this image: "Visitation" by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is in the Public Domain.

Psalter Reading for December 11, 2022

Note from Celeste:

Before we look at today’s lectionary reading, I’d like to draw your attention to my Advent Bible Study books.

Getting Ready for Christmas is part of the Choose This Day Multiple Choice Bible Studies series, available in paperback and ebook.

The daily devotionals take 10-15 minutes and include:

Scripture passage (World English Bible)
Fun, entertaining multiple choice questions focused directly on the Scripture passage
Short meditation that can be used as a discussion starter.

Like an Advent calendar, Getting Ready for Christmas begins on December 1 and ends December 25. However, these 25 devotionals focusing on the Messiah can be used any time of year.

Use this book personally during a coffee break or with the family in the car or at the dinner table.

Order Getting Ready for Christmas today to prepare your family for this year’s Christmas season!
CLICK HERE for Amazon’s Kindle book of Getting Ready for Christmas.
CLICK HERE for Amazon’s Paperback of Getting Ready for Christmas.

And here’s the link to its puzzle companion book: Getting Ready for Christmas Word Search Puzzles for Advent.

It’s a large-print puzzle book with over 1,200 hidden words taken straight from the same 25 Scripture readings. (30 puzzles in all.)

If you’re not in the U.S., you can still order the books from your country’s amazon platform. Simply search for “Getting Ready for Christmas” by Celesta Letchworth.

Thank you for your consideration! And thank you for faithfully following Tom’s SOAR blog!

AND NOW, BACK TO TODAY’S LECTIONARY READING:

“Visitation” by Franz Anton Maulbertsch (1724-1796)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Luke 1:46b-55
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This passage is an excerpt from the famous passage known traditionally as The Magnificat.

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” (Luke 1:42-45).

For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

She recognizes that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God:

For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

In contrast, the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier — that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

APPLY:

But all of that is to come later — as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed:

scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget that the Scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL!

But more importantly, what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

PHOTOS:
"Visitation" by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is in the Public Domain.

Psalter Reading for December 19, 2021

Note from Celeste:

Before we look at today’s lectionary reading, I’d like to draw your attention to my Advent Bible Study books.

Getting Ready for Christmas is part of the Choose This Day Multiple Choice Bible Studies series, available in paperback and ebook.

The daily devotionals take 10-15 minutes and include:

Scripture passage (World English Bible)
Fun, entertaining multiple choice questions focused directly on the Scripture passage
Short meditation that can be used as a discussion starter.

Like an Advent calendar, Getting Ready for Christmas begins on December 1 and ends December 25. However, these 25 devotionals focusing on the Messiah can be used any time of year.

Use this book personally during a coffee break or with the family in the car or at the dinner table.

And here’s the link to its puzzle companion book: Getting Ready for Christmas Word Search Puzzles for Advent.

It’s a large-print puzzle book with over 1,200 hidden words taken straight from the same 25 Scripture readings. (30 puzzles in all.)

If you’re not in the U.S., you can still order the books from your country’s amazon platform. Simply search for “Getting Ready for Christmas” by Celesta Letchworth.

Thank you for your consideration! And thank you for faithfully following Tom’s SOAR blog!

AND NOW, BACK TO TODAY’S LECTIONARY READING:

“Visitation” by Franz Anton Maulbertsch (1724-1796)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Luke 1:46b-55
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This passage is an excerpt from the famous passage known traditionally as The Magnificat.

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” (Luke 1:42-45).

For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

She recognizes that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God:

For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

In contrast, the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier — that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

APPLY:

But all of that is to come later — as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed:

scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget that the Scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL!

But more importantly, what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

PHOTOS:

"Visitation" by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is in the Public Domain.

Psalter Reading for December 20, 2020

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Luke 1:47-55
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This is an excerpt from the famous passage known traditionally as The Magnificat. Here is the context — Mary, upon being told by the Angel Gabriel that she will be the virgin mother of Jesus, is also told that her relative Elizabeth is expecting a child as well. So, like many expecting mothers who welcome fellowship with other moms-to-be, Mary seeks out her kinswoman. She travels from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea where Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah live (Luke 1:26-45).

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” (Luke 1:42-45).

For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

She recognizes that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God:

For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

In contrast the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier — that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

It is clear that this song of praise is consistent with the Old Testament and the prophetic tradition of social justice and deliverance from oppression, and that the ancient promises to Abraham and to Israel are to be kept inviolable.

APPLY:

It has even been said that a British bishop in a third world country cautioned his priests against reading this passage aloud in church to the oppressed citizens of their colony. He feared it might lead to social upheaval and revolution!

But this song of praise begins in the life and literally in the womb of a young woman. Her consent to the news that she was to become the mother of the Messiah is a pivotal act in history. By saying, as she does, let it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38), she sets a revolution in motion.

But all of that is to come later — as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed:

scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget that the Scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL!

But more importantly, what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

Our Lord, I cannot improve on Mary’s words. But I am aware that as with Mary you have honored me with your favor simply by offering me your grace and mercy. Forgive me when I crow with the proud, and seek to be imperious like the rulers. Give me an identification with the humble and poor so that I might be in ministry to them — because that’s where you are. Amen.

PHOTOS:
"Visitation" by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is in the Public Domain.

Psalter Reading for December 15, 2019

“Visitation” by Franz Anton Maulbertsch (1724-1796)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Luke 1:46b-55
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This passage is an excerpt from the famous passage known traditionally as The Magnificat.

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” (Luke 1:42-45).

For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

She recognizes that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God:

For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

In contrast, the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier — that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

APPLY:

But all of that is to come later — as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed:

scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget that the Scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL!

But more importantly, what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

Our Lord, I cannot improve on Mary’s words. But I am aware that as with Mary you have honored me with your favor simply by offering me your grace and mercy. Forgive me when I crow with the proud, and seek to be imperious like the rulers. Give me an identification with the humble and poor so that I might be in ministry to them — because that’s where you are. Amen.

PHOTOS:

"Visitation" by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is in the Public Domain.

Psalter Reading for December 24, 2017

START WITH SCRIPTURE:
Luke 1:47-55
CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” (Luke 1:42-45).

For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

She recognizes that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God:

For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

In contrast the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier — that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

APPLY:

But all of that is to come later — as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed:

scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget that the scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL!

But more importantly, what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

Our Lord, I cannot improve on Mary’s words. But I am aware that as with Mary you have honored me with your favor simply by offering me your grace and mercy. Forgive me when I crow with the proud, and seek to be imperious like the rulers. Give me an identification with the humble and poor so that I might be in ministry to them — because that’s where you are. Amen.

PHOTOS:
"Visitation" by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is in the Public Domain.

Psalter Reading for December 11, 2016

“Visitation” by Franz Anton Maulbertsch (1724-1796)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:

Luke 1:47-55

CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

This passage is an excerpt from the famous passage known traditionally as The Magnificat. Here is the context: Mary, upon being told by the Angel Gabriel that she will be the virgin mother of Jesus, is also told that her relative Elizabeth is expecting a child as well. So, like many expecting mothers who welcome fellowship with other moms-to-be, she travels from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea where Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah live (Luke 1:26-45).

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!” (Luke 1:42-45).

For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

She recognizes that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God:

For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

In contrast the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier — that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

APPLY:

It has been said that the Magnificat is one of the most powerful revolutionary documents in all of scripture, if not all literature. Even a shallow reading leads to the conclusion that God is definitely going to turn the tables on the rich and the powerful, and the poor and humble will be lifted up. There will be a reversal of status and position.

But all of that is to come later — as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed:

scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget that the scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL!

But more importantly, what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

Our Lord, I cannot improve on Mary’s words. But I am aware that as with Mary you have honored me with your favor simply by offering me your grace and mercy. Forgive me when I crow with the proud, and seek to be imperious like the rulers. Give me an identification with the humble and poor so that I might be in ministry to them — because that’s where you are. Amen.

PHOTOS:

"Visitation" by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is in the Public Domain.

Psalter Reading for December 20, 2015

Author’s Note: I encourage all of my readers to prepare for the Christmas season with the Choose This Day Family Bible Study for the Advent season. It’s a fun, short (10-15 minutes) Bible study that the whole family can enjoy daily from December 1 to 25. You can visit that website by clicking this link.

And now, back to today’s lectionary reading:

START WITH SCRIPTURE:

Luke 1: 46b-55

CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

The context for this famous passage, known traditionally as the Magnificat, is really quite humble. Mary, upon learning of the miraculous conception of Jesus, is also told by the Angel Gabriel that her relative Elizabeth is expecting a child as well.

So, like many expecting mothers who welcome fellowship with other moms-to-be, she travels from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea where Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah live.

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (Luke 1:42-45).

Mary is aware that she has been tremendously honored by this unique visitation – that God has exalted her despite her humble origins. And she also is keenly aware that this experience will transcend her own humble existence:

From now on all generations will call me blessed.

She seems to recognize that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God:

for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

Mary’s song proves to be quite counter cultural – the proud are scattered, rulers are deposed from their thrones, the rich lose all that they have!

In contrast the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier — that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

APPLY:

It has been said that the Magnificat is one of the most powerful revolutionary documents in all of scripture, if not all literature. Even a shallow reading leads to the conclusion that God is definitely going to turn the tables on the rich and the powerful, and the poor and humble will be lifted up. There will be a reversal of status and position.

But it begins in the life and literally in the womb of a young woman. Her consent to the news that she was to become the mother of the Messiah is a pivotal act in history. By saying, as she does, let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38), she sets a revolution in motion.

It is not to be a violent revolution, except from those who resist the coming of the Messiah. It is to be a revolution of mercy, lifting the humble from their oppressed social status, and feeding those who are hungry.

The violence that occurs because of the coming of the Messiah is from reactionaries – from those who are aware that they will lose their power and prestige, and who see this woman’s son as a threat to the status quo. They react to his teaching and his healing and his “hunger relief program” by crucifying him, and then by persecuting his followers.

But all of that is to come later – as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed

scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget in my religious complacency and contentment with the status quo that the scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL!

True, all generations are blessed by that child that has been conceived in Mary. But if I take the words of scripture seriously, they call me to examine which group I’m a part of: am I arrogant or humble, ruler or ruled, full or hungry?

But more importantly, what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

Our Lord, I cannot improve on Mary’s words. But I am aware that as with Mary you have honored me with your favor simply by offering me your grace and mercy. Forgive me when I crow with the proud, and seek to be imperious like the rulers. Give me an identification with the humble and poor so that I might be in ministry to them — because that’s where you are. Amen.

PHOTOS:
"Visitation" by Franz Anton Maulbertsch is in the Public Domain.

Psalter for Dec. 21, 2014

“Visitation” by Franz Anton Maulbertsch (1724-1796)

START WITH SCRIPTURE:

Luke 1:46-55

CLICK HERE TO READ SCRIPTURE ON BIBLEGATEWAY.COM

OBSERVE:

The context for this famous passage, known traditionally as the Magnificat, is really quite humble. Mary, upon learning of her own miraculous conception, is also told by the Angel Gabriel that her relative Elizabeth is also expecting. So, like many expecting mothers who welcome fellowship with other moms-to-be, she travels from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea where Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah live.

The occasion for this poem of superlative beauty is the instant recognition by Elizabeth that the child within Mary is divine. Elizabeth says to Mary “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

And Mary’s response is her song of praise to Almighty God. The song seems to come from somewhere deep within her soul as she praises God for what he has done for her, and for all people through her.

Mary is aware that she has been tremendously honored by this unique visitation – that God has been aware of her despite her humble origins. And she also is keenly aware that this experience will transcend her own humble existence: From now on all generations will call me blessed. She seems to recognize that what is happening to her is of great historical significance.

At the same time, she is very careful to ascribe all honor and glory to God: for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. This is a very theocentric, i.e., God-centered hymn of praise.

And her song proves to be quite countercultural – the proud are scattered, rulers are deposed from their thrones, the rich lose all that they have!

In contrast the humble are lifted up, the hungry are satisfied with food, and Israel is helped by the mercies of God.

All of this is in keeping with the promises of those same prophets cited earlier – that God has kept faith with the descendants of Abraham.

APPLY:

But it begins in the life and literally in the womb of a young woman. Her consent to the news that she was to become the mother of the Messiah is a pivotal act in history. By saying, as she does let it be to me according to your word, she sets a revolution in motion.

But all of that is to come later – as will the mighty deeds that God will accomplish with his arm. The birth, life, ministry, cross and resurrection of Jesus have indeed scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

And it all begins with the blessed Virgin Mary and this great thing that God has done for her and through her.

RESPOND:

I sometimes forget in my religious complacency and contentment with the status quo that the scriptures we so glibly read in worship services during this season of Advent are RADICAL! True, all generations are blessed by that child that has been conceived in Mary. But if I take the words of scripture seriously, they call me to examine if I’m the proud or the humble, the rulers or the ruled, the full or the hungry. And what am I to do about it? Fear God, humble myself before him, and identify with the poor and the oppressed? I think so.

Our Lord, I cannot improve on Mary’s words. But I am aware that like Mary you have honored me with your favor simply by offering me your grace and mercy. Forgive me when I crow with the proud, and seek to be imperious like the rulers. Give me an identification with the humble and poor so that I might be in ministry to them because that’s where you are. Amen.