Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 5:1-25; I Corinthians 8:1-13
This Week’s Readings: St. Luke 1:39-55
“For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” (St. Luke 1:49-50)
Mary had just received the miraculous word from Gabriel that she would bear in her womb the very Son of God, after which she replied, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Basically she says, “Amen, gift received.” Then Mary hears Elizabeth’s blessing after Elizabeth’s son, John the Baptist, leaps in her womb at Mary’s greeting.
After this, Mary confesses beautifully. Notice to whom she points – she points to the Lord. And she does so, because she recognizes that she needs the Lord’s help. She is not self-sufficient, and she is not sinless.
About 30 years later in Mary’s life, she attends a wedding at Cana where her Son Jesus turns water into wine. Remember what she told the steward: “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). Mary was not in charge; the Holy Spirit used her to do His work, which is always pointing to Jesus.
You are not self-sufficient. You are not sinless. But Mary’s words are your words, too. Your soul “magnifies the Lord” because Mary’s Son, your Lord Jesus Christ, has done “great things” by His substitutionary life, death, and resurrection. He has taken away your sins, and He delivers the benefit of His work on the cross to you in His holy Sacraments.
Try not to burst out in song with the above words the next time you receive Christ’ Body and Blood. It will be difficult. But if you give in, then you join Mary in praise of your good and gracious God.
Almighty God, You chose the virgin Mary to be the mother of Your only Son. Grant that we, who are redeemed by His blood, may share with her in the glory of Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord)
Your joys on all mankind; From sin and sorrow set us free; May we Your living temple be. (LSB 500:1)
The Reverend Gregory Schultz, pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill, IL, is the author for this portion of the Trinity season.