"Advent 2015 04: Mary's Song"

by Tim Suttle

12/20/15

A sacrament is what we call it when physical things take on spiritual meaning. When Mary said, "May it be unto me according to your word," her life as she knew it was over, and yet because of that decision, that yielding, that consenting to the Lord's plan, her life became a sacrament. Her physical life took on great spiritual meaning and purpose. Part of what Mary teaches us is that we’ve all been created with this same potential. Your physical life can take on great spiritual significance if, when God comes to you and asks you to relinquish control, you offer your consent just as Mary did. We all have a part to play in the story of God.

Luke 1:39-56

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.