Magnificat
St Mary Magdalene Church Trimdon Village Bridget Jones design
Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11
Canticle 18, The Song of Mary*
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
John 1: 6-8,19-28
The Song of Mary and Isaiah both speak about injustices to me. Mary is joyful as she has not only been called to bear the Christ Child, but she sees that through this Child, the world will be set aright.
The prophet Isaiah speaks God’s words, “I the Lord, love justice,” and both Isaiah and Mary rejoice in God their Savior. Yet over 2,000 years later, we still see so much injustice in the world. I do not need to look far beyond my community to see the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the disinherited.
Jesus’ short life was revolutionary. He turned the world upside down with his words and actions: love not hate, share not harbor, give away to gain, feed, clothe, and shelter those in need. Love God, neighbor, then self.
‘Make straight the way for the Lord’. I know it is possible for us to challenge our response to injustice. It is important to speak out against all forms of injustice and set a Christian example for future generations.
When I light my pink candle of Joy, also known as the Shepherds candle, this evening with my family, may I remember to be of service to others, try to be the rose in the garden of God’s righteousness, and welcome the One who Shepherds us through life.
‘Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming’
Dot Sweeney
- see The Book of Alternative Services, p. 86 (Luke 1:46-55)
