Sunday, May 31, 2015

Luke 1:39-57

The Magnificat: Mary’s song of trust and praise. But also... something that we might expect to be sung by the likes of a Woody Guthrie, Bruce Springsteen, or may I be so bold as to suggest a couple of my favourites, New Model Army and Sepultura? Though many people recall Mary’s words in the rich language of the Book of Common Prayer’s Evening Prayer liturgy, we must not let the beauty or tame ‘religiosity’ cover up the bold, political (or pre-political) message. This is not some deviation in Luke. In fact, this song and its message is in line with much of the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the prophets. We find these words coming from Hannah, the mother of Samuel in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Look for the similarities!

“My heart exults in the Lord;
    my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
    because I rejoice in my victory.

2 

“There is no Holy One like the Lord,
    no one besides you;
    there is no Rock like our God.

3 

Talk no more so very proudly,
    let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
    and by him actions are weighed.

4 

The bows of the mighty are broken,
    but the feeble gird on strength.

5 

Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
    but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
    but she who has many children is forlorn.

6 

The Lord kills and brings to life;
    he brings down to Sheol and raises up.

7 

The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
    he brings low, he also exalts.

8 

He raises up the poor from the dust;
    he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
    and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
    and on them he has set the world.

9 

“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
    but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
    for not by might does one prevail.

10 

The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered;
    the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
    he will give strength to his king,
    and exalt the power of his anointed.”

How might the words of Mary and Hannah inform our lives as people trying to follow in the way of Jesus? Give that some thought, and if you need some music to keep you stimulated, consider giving a listen to some of the artists I mentioned!

- Matthew Kieswetter