And Mary said: “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. (Luke 1:46-48 niv)

I remember when I first learned that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was just a teenager when she found out she was pregnant. I learned this from a movie I’ve now forgotten – but I remember that moment clearly. It was shocking, but made sense. I was barely in my twenties, with my whole life ahead of me. Mary’s age was never discussed in church. But she was just a teenager in Nazareth – some say she may have been as young as thirteen!

This is what makes The Magnificat—the song Mary is quoted as singing when she first learns the news from the Angel Gabriel—so significant. What insight, what acceptance, what faith she showed.

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God.”

This is the translation of the text the young ladies of Voices of Faith sing on Annunciation Sunday, December 18. When sung by girls who are ages thirteen to seventeen, in the simple setting by Ruth Elaine Schram, the words come to life. The singers love the tune, love singing the words, and always ask to rehearse it even though they know it well. They seem to need to sing those words.

“Mighty and holy, he has exalted the lowly, filled the hungry,
and scattered the proud. He has remembered his servant.”

I have two teenage daughters. I try to imagine them being this strong in the face of such tremendous fear and odds. They are strong young women who are faithful, just and true. But I cannot imagine anyone finding such faith at such a young age. Me—I am still searching. Aren’t we all?

We sing a similar text at each Wednesday evening Advent service: “My soul proclaims your greatness O God, and my spirit rejoices in you.” This gives me great strength, and humbles me as well.

Lord, thank you for showing us that strength comes from within and without. You give us strength to face the challenging times so we in turn can support our loved ones throughout their lives. We thank you for Jesus’ mother, Mary, and her faith in you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
 

Contributed by Mary
Monday November 28, 2011
Liturgical Year B: Week 4
Liturgical Color: Blue
Sunday Gospel reading:
Fourth Sunday of Advent