"My soul mangnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." --Luke 1:47
Mary flees the painful scrutiny and judgment of Nazareth, travelling south to Judea to the home of her cousin Elizabeth, who has also received a startling visitation from God, and who carries wonderful new life in territory that had been declared "barren." Elizabeth's child leaps within her and the Holy spirit fills her as she welcomes Mary.
--This we hear as a story of affirmation, confirmation for Mary.
--The two blessed women are sharing in the "Holy ____ favor of God!!!"
--We witness the beginning of community and faith family.
--Mary experiences a place of deep belonging, where someone understands: "I'm not alone." Elizabeth may be experiencing a similar relief.
--The Holy Spirit is the spirit of encouragement here.
--Elizabeth "prepares the way (Isaiah 40)" in a manner similar to what her grown son will eventually do. The receptiveness, faith, love and sharing of each woman, and both of them together, magnifies the Lord who comes to save the world!
Mary's song sings of God who has already begun turning the world upside-down, that it might more clearly reflect God's image.
Read Luke 1:47-55 again. How does Mary's testimony speak to what God is doing in the world today?
How might you and I "magnify the Lord?"
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