Like writings in much of Western culture (and culture in other places, too), the stories in the Bible tend to be about men. Interestingly, though, the stories that tell of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection include women in important ways. This week’s Gospel reading from Luke focuses on Jesus’ mother, Mary. In the verses before this week’s passage, Mary learns from the angel Gabriel that she will become pregnant with the son of God through the Holy Spirit. Surely, she is bewildered, realizing that this pregnancy will be an issue with her fiancé, her family, and her community. However, she accepts, saying, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
This week’s reading tells us that Mary goes to see her relative, Elizabeth who is quite old. The angel tells Mary that Elizabeth, who has never been able to have children, is now pregnant! When Mary arrives and greets Elizabeth, the child Elizabeth’s womb “leaped for joy” at Mary’s greeting – at the arrival of the mother of God. Mary replies with a beautiful song of praise to God, acknowledging God’s favor for her and others who are lowly or hungry. Mary rejoices that God will use her to bless the world, and sings about God’s care and concern for those who are poor and struggling.
God works through unlikely people, showing up in unexpected places and unexpected ways. Mary’s song, which we sing each week on Thursday as part of Evening Prayer, reminds us that God sees the powerless and outsiders and cares about them. Mary, a woman, sings about God’s surprising priorities in what is truly a man’s world. Mary’s song reminds us that God has a preference for the poor and compassion for the marginalized.
God is always showing up in unexpected places; situations where it seems impossible that love or light or hope could come. God is continually working through unexpected people; imperfect, broken, hurting people who are just barely holding on who somehow manage to do the work of God. God constantly insists on bringing unexpected messages; the power structures and values of humans are not God’s priorities. The places and people who seem least likely are often just where we will find God’s surprises.
Peace to you in this surprsing time,