I’m going rogue and talking about our gospel reading today, because I think it is such an incredible passage.
Elizabeth, a relative of Mary’s, was about 6 months pregnant. Her pregnancy, like Mary’s, was miraculous because Elizabeth was considered too old to have kids (I can only imagine that she was about my age – ugh). After Mary finds out she too is miraculously pregnant, and with the Son of God, no less, she goes to visit Elizabeth.
Elizabeth’s baby, who we later know as John the Baptist, leaps in her womb as Mary and in utero Jesus approach. Presumably, even as an unborn baby, John recognizes Jesus’ divinity.
But here’s the part I really love. I love that in yesterday’s reading, Mary finds out she’s pregnant with the Son of God without having had sex. She is given this news by an angel, and though at first scared, she says, “Sounds good. Let’s do this.” Ok, not exactly, but she says, let what you say about me be true. Then, in today’s reading, she beautifully and eloquently praises God for what he has done to and for her.
Read this again, but while you do, think about what your response might have been.
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:46-55).
Munger Kids 