Scattering Pride & Arrogance
Lord, have mercy!
If Luke visited and spoke with Mary before writing his gospel, it would of course have been after Jesus’ ascension. What she shared would have been from memory. Her song - which we’re on the third day of consideration - could be the culmination of her life thought regarding what God has done in and through Jesus. We can and should still take this in the context of the young woman from Nazareth, humble and willing to do God’s will.
Indeed, it’s that context that makes this part of her song so powerful.
Often it just doesn’t feel like these words can be true. All sorts of arrogance and pride still ooze from thrones and governments and other positions of power throughout the world.
…which is what makes Advent what it is, both a claiming of the past and a declaration of the future. Christ has come…and Christ is coming again.
So it’s both an invitation to accept the past and to live into a future not yet realized. And if we do so, we so order our lives accordingly.
Joyful blessings on you as you gather with the Church on this third Sunday of Advent.
Luke 1:51-52
He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.
Isaiah 2:12-17
The Lord of heavenly forces has planned a day:
against all that is prideful and haughty;
against all that is lofty, and it will be laid low;
against all the cedars of Lebanon, high and lofty;
against all the oaks of Bashan;
against all the high mountains;
against all the lofty hills;
against every tall tower;
against every fortified wall;
against all the ships of Tarshish;
against all the wonderful boats.
People’s pride will be brought down
and human arrogance humiliated.
The Lord alone will be exalted on that day;
Prayer1
Stir up your power, O Lord,
and with great might come among us;
and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever.
Amen.
From the Book of Common Prayer, collect for the Third Sunday of Advent.