Luke 1:46-55: The Inverted Kingdom – Part XI
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Raphael: Madonna della Sedia
In days of political and civil turmoil, Mary the Mother of God reminds us how to pray
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
In times of family strife and confusion, Mary the Mother of God gives us words we might repeat.
For God has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
In the hour when friends become enemies and colleagues become strangers, Mary the Mother of God shows us the mind of God.
The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name.
Mary the Mother of God reminds us that God is more loving than we can imagine, more patient and compassionate than all of humanity gathered together.
The LORD has mercy on those who love God in every generation.
Mary the Mother of God tells us that we have nothing to fear.
The LORD has shown the strength of God’s arm.
Mary the Mother of God asks us to put aside our pride to take up love.
God has scattered the proud in their conceit.
Mary the Mother of God shows us that power and might are as nothing.
The LORD has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.
Mary the Mother of God tells us that God alone sustains for an eternity.
The LORD has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich God has sent away empty.
Mary the Mother of God reminds us that God is persistent, God is faithful, and God is hope.
The LORD has come to the rescue of God’s servant, for God has remembered the promise of mercy, the promise made to Abraham and his children forever.
Mary the Mother of God reminds us how to enter into and act in the world. Mary calls us to goodness, endurance, and love. In times, days, and hours when the world fails us, we might return to Mary’s MAGNIFICAT to amplify our love of God as we pray with her these words.
When we explore varying translations of these verses, we open ourselves to the healing power of Mary’s joy and thanksgiving.
In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church’s great communal prayer, the MAGNIFICAT is part of Vespers, or Evensong. For more information on this prayer and how it parallel’s the prayer of Hannah, visit: http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/meditation-on-the-magnificat
For more on the Liturgy of the Hours and how each of us might join our voices with millions of others by pausing briefly a few times a day, visit The Liturgy of the Hours page on this blog.
For more on Raphael’s image of the Madonna and Child, click on the image above, or visit: http://www.everypainterpaintshimself.com/article/raphaels_madonna_della_sedia_1513-14
Images from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_della_Seggiola and https://www.pinterest.com/pin/324329610641975003/ and https://www.pinterest.es/search/pins/?q=madonna%20mother%20of%20god&rs=typed
In January of 2017, women gathered in the U.S. capital to stand in solidarity for the right to come together in peaceful protest. See more at: Women gather in Washington, D.C. in solidarity for the protection of their rights, safety, health, and families, they recognize that vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of their country.
The Noontimes 