Sunday 23 December 2012

Background

In this passage (which is entirely topical for this week, as weapproach the celebration of Christmas), Mary's words speak into ouroften frenetically commercial festivities with a clarity andsimplicity that bring us back to the anticipation of Christ'scoming. The passage is one which reveals her joy in the blessing ofbeing the one God has chosen for this most special of roles, andenables us to reflect upon her experience by speaking of God'sapproach to both the humble and the mighty, and in so doingcelebrates the plan of God for caring for all people with love,justice and fairness.

Her words are reminiscent of Hannah's song (1Samuel 2:1-10) and it seems likely that this passage ofScripture was in Mary's mind as she celebrated what God was doingin her (literally) and through her. Hannah also gave birth to aspecial child, and in Samuel we see a model for Christ - one whoreveals God's heart and demonstrates that God had not forgotten theplight of the poor. Even in childhood (1Samuel 1-3), Samuel was set aside for God's work and in Mary'secho of Hannah's song we see her understanding of the importantrole these two sons would have in establishing God's rule and reignin a people who often turned aside from God's ways.

The overriding theme in Mary's song is that God remembers thehumble and scatters the proud. It seems strange perhaps to ourminds that on the occasion of the forthcoming incarnation of Godinto the world, Mary's song does not focus more broadly on thesalvation in Christ that was too come for all people, and ratherinstead focuses on the injustices that God would right through thisincredible event. In recognising this though, we acknowledge ourown limited understanding of what God was doing in Christ. Hiscoming was no event simply to be received in private, spiritualdevotion - but one which would shake the 'powers that be' - andestablish once and for all that God remembers the humble.

To Ponder

• How will you celebrate Christmas with regard to the poor?

• What aspects of injustice are you currently aware of?

• What can you do to reflect Mary's joy that God is on the sideof the humble?