Don’t write her off
Laura Digan
December 23, 2023
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Listen to this daily worship
Luke 1: 46b-55 (NRSVA)
46b ‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
47
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
48
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;49
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.50
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.51
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.52
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;53
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.54
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,55
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’
What strikes me most about this passage is Mary’s eloquence and religious understanding. This young girl speaks with such beauty, skill and understanding. A young, unmarried, pregnant girl, her voice could easily be written off, what can she possibly know about life and God? But despite her age, despite her condition, her voice is confident and assured. Mary can’t be written off for she knows her scripture and she has a heart for God. Perhaps that is why God chose her as the mother of his son.
Too often as a society we write off the opinions, knowledge, beliefs and passions of our young people. This year I’ve been involved with a lot of youth work and young people have such a lot to offer especially when it comes to how we treat each other, the planet, and how we might live and worship differently. Let’s give them the space to share their voices and listen to what they have to say.
PRAYER:
Creator God,
You trusted your son Jesus to be born and brought up by a poor young woman,
You knew how special Mary was and trusted she would bring up your son with the knowledge and support he needed to fulfil his destiny.
Open us up to truly hearing the younger generation
Open us to truly seeing the gifts of the younger generation
Help us to be open to learning from younger generations
As we look to care for your creation and build your Kingdom here on earth.
Amen
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