Waiting in Rejoicing
My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior,
for he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed.
God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm; he has confused the proud in their inmost thought..
He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places.
The hungry he has given every good thing, while the rich he has sent empty away.
He has upheld Israel his servant, every mindful of his mercy,
Even as he promised our fathers, promised Abraham and his descendants forever. (Lk 1:46-56)
The Magnificat – Mary’s words at the greeting of Elizabeth – is one of the most profound prayers in Scripture. It’s the prayer of the poor and oppressed. It’s the prayer of the anawim, or trodden-upon of Israel. It’s a prayer of rejoicing in God’s ability and promise to raise the lowly and falter the mighty.
It’s my prayer, too, for I’m one of the anawim. I’m poor whether my poverty is physical or emotional. I’m oppressed by those who try to take advantage of me. I’m trodden-upon upon by the hardships I endure and the stress and responsibilities that overwhelm me.
Mary, calling on the traditions of your ancestors, you recognized that God never abandons his people. Rejoice with me this Christmas in the coming of the Newborn King. Let me share in your gratitude that the Mighty has done great things for his people and fill me with trust that he will do great things for me.
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