Theologian of the Possible

Summary

Mary’s words in this passage of scripture are hard for us to hear. This short passage has been set to music and sung more often than maybe any other passage of scripture in Christian history. If you pick up a book of morning and evening prayers, this passage is often featured prominently in the daily readings. I have here in my hands a copy of a Mennonite book of morning and evening prayers. It’s called Take Our Moments and Our Days: An Anabaptist Prayer Book. This book provides an opportunity for you to pray this passage of scripture over and over again, sometimes at least once a day. It’s hard to hear Mary’s words because we’re so familiar with them. They aren’t new anymore. They sound a little bit old and tired.

Mary’s words are also hard for us to believe. She says God brings powerful people down from their thrones and lifts up the lowly. Don’t you want to protest just a little bit when you hear that? Don’t you want to contradict her and ask, “Really? When has that ever happened? I don’t see much evidence of powerful people losing their positions. As far as I can tell, the powerful are still powerful and the lowly are still low.”