Tuesday 22 December 2020

Today is Tuesday the 22 December, in the fourth week of Advent.

The Gaudete Ensemble conducted by Eamon Dougan sing 'O Sapentia' by Margaret Rizza. O Wisdom, Lord God Emmanuel, as I begin my time of prayer today, I acknowledge your wisdom, present here with me, now...  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour 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 for ever.’

Mary reflects here on what God has done for her, and for her people. God’s work has been both powerful and compassionate. How far do you recognise those two qualities of God, power and compassion, reflected in your own life?  

Some have seen Mary’s words here as revolutionary. God scatters the proud, brings down the powerful, and sends the rich away empty-handed. Where are you aware of God acting in those ways in our world today?  

Mary thinks of all this as God keeping his promises. What promises has God made to you, or to people of faith? Are you conscious of those promises being kept?  

As you listen again, notice the kind of world that Mary trusts that God will bring about.  

Speak to God for a moment, of your own hopes for a world transformed by his coming.    

O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Sun

King of the Nations

Emmanuel

Come, Lord Jesus.