Spending Advent with Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Tuesday of the 4th Week of Advent
Mary’s Task
Reflection
We must be careful at this time of year not to think that Mary’s calling was easy and simple. We have all these uncluttered ideas about Christmas, about lovely carols, angels singing, and cookies baking. But in fact, Mary’s Song is not a sweetly sung Christmas Carol. In contrast, it’s a dynamic call to a transformed world, transformed by her Son, Jesus of Nazareth. Read these words again, thinking about them in light of the business and political establishment of our day.
God’s mercy is the theme of this song. God has shown power, Mary sings. He confuses the powerful and proud, deposing those in charge, raising the lowly to high places. He gives the hungry
what they long for and sends the rich away empty handed. Again, this is no sweet carol. We must let these words form us in the final days of Advent. God is calling us to this work: justice, peace, and humility. Mary’s Song is our song, too.
Share with others or ponder alone
What is your personal response to Mary’s Song? How can you see this unfolding in the world around you? What are you called to do in order to make this a reality?
Take action
Write our your own song, your own hymn of praise, in response to all that God has done in your life.
Prayer for today
We embrace your call to justice and peace, O God, as difficult as it may be for us. Give us the courage of Mary’s Song. Amen.
Used with permission
Author: Bill Huebsch