Annunciation to Mary
Luke 1:46-55
Our text today is part of the opening chapter of Luke’s story of Jesus’ life. With characteristic detail, Luke relays to us that God chose Mary to be the mother of God’s son. Mary responds in turn by singing a song that calls to mind the song Hannah sang when she was promised a child (1 Samuel 2:1-10).
The text of Mary’s Song is eloquent and has been set to lovely tunes throughout the years. But if we think of it as a kind of mother’s lullaby we are mistaken. Mary’s Song, also known as the Magnificat, is far from soothing, especially for those who are rich or presume their power or position. The Magnificat is a song of liberation.
Mary sings: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” She sings this because she realizes that, in choosing her, God has turned the world right side up. Mary was poor, young, powerless, and unmarried. When word of her pregnancy got out, she would become even more marginalized. By choosing a peasant girl to be lifted up and blessed by future generations, God cast judgment over the ways of the world that find greatness in possessions and privilege. Instead, God proclaimed greatness to be found in faithfulness.
“Turning right side up” is an apt image to characterize Mary’s Song. The ways and commitments and priorities of the world will be completely reorganized until they are as God intends. Consider Mary’s wisdom:
- He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Mary tells us that those who imagine that they have it all put together, those who are sure and confident in the ways they find meaning, will discover that their lives are completely disrupted. Everything will be changed.
- He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly. Even though we do not live in a society with the kinds of thrones royalty sit in, we do live in a world where the “thrones” of power and wealth are fiercely protected. Too often profit is more valued than the well-being of workers, and strength is more valued than cooperative alliances. According to Mary’s Song, the powerful tumble while the poor are lifted up.
- He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Another example of “turning right side up”: when God’s way comes to pass people will no longer be hungry. In order for this to happen, the rich will be sent away because they already have what they need. Mary’s Song tells us that when things are as God intends, no one is hungry.
- As people of faith we are called to live according to the way of God. That requires us to turn the ways of the world right side up so they are as God intends.
Mary’s Song and younger children
Page 1 of the student workbook translates ideas in Mary’s Song into words children can consider. It will be helpful to refer to the translations given the fact that the original text of Mary’s Song uses many words typically not understood by younger children. The following ideas related to Mary’s Song are developmentally accessible for younger children:
- Mary sings that she is so happy that God chose her to be Jesus’ mother. Mary was very young when God picked her. Sometimes people think that children are not as important as grown-ups. Everyone, young and old, is important to God.
- Lots of people think they know what is important. Many times people think being first in line or having the most toys is important. Sometimes people think that being the fastest runner or having the coolest bike is important. But God tells us that different things are important. Being kind is important. Sharing is important. Listening to God is important.
- Mary sings that God will give food to people who are hungry. This is very good news! We can help to make sure that people who are hungry have enough food.