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
We do not worship Mary, but we certainly are in awe of her words. Her prayer, like the words of many a hymn writer, can so wonderfully become ours. No, we have not had the privilege, like hers, of giving birth to Jesus or of teaching him to pray. But the Father has done great things for us through Him. There may even be a few people who will call us blessed. Who knows when some simple deed of ours may be a blessing to someone?
Of all the women in history, God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Yet we know precious little about her. She was a humble woman who never chose the spotlight. If she knew about it, she might wonder why we choose today to honor her. But, since God did, we do too.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you knew Mary in so many ways. You are a blessing to us through her. So, bless her for us, and help us to anticipate the day when we will meet her and you. Amen.