Feast of St. Mary the Virgin

And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’ Luke 1:46-55

One of the amazing things about the Creator, is that the ones chosen to reveal the Holy to us, are most often the small, the weak and those without power. The writers of the Gospels and those who have edited the scriptures throughout the centuries, could not, despite themselves, leave out these important stories. The stories of women carrying and revealing God's love to the world. Today we celebrate the vulnerability and power of Mary, who despite her youth, her gender and the fact that she was not of royal birth, was chosen to carry the Savior.  She said yes, in the face of tremendous abuse, discrimination, isolation and having to become a refugee.

Loving Creator, you chose young Mary

to carry your love and healing to the world

she said yes, and in her yes we find our own

our belonging and participation in your love.

We are reluctant to say yes when challenged

we shrink back when we are told to keep still

we forget the power you give the least of us

calling forth a girl child to show the way.

Help us see not our limitations but your invitation

let us be those who carry your mercy and love

let us find you in the overlooked and ignored ones

because you give them the capacity to carry your love. Amen.