Reflections on the Virgin Mary #humble

I friend of mine shared this article, "No More Lying About Mary" from Patheos, Dec. 3., 2015, on Facebook this morning and it's very timely for this season of Advent. I confess that I've never been comfortable with the way our Catholic friends have elevated Mary to such a high level that she appears to be equal to Christ -- and as a consequence I haven't given her much thought at all which also does her a disservice. Apparently I'm not alone and many Protestants have given short shrift to Mary for the same reason. Read "Mary's Magnificat in the Bible is revolutionary", Washington Post, Dec, 20, 2018.  These articles have me looking at her in a new light -- and at her words in the Magnificat, her hymn of praise to the Lord, which I have sung a thousand times over at Episcopal Evensong services -- and which I love. The lines in bold are of particular impact -- making me feel quite humble. 

So today let's reflect on Mary, her pivotal role in Advent and Christmas -- indeed we wouldn't be celebrating without her. Read the words below or listen to my favorite version, Charles Villiers Stanford's Magnificat in G. 

"My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid;
For behold, henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed;
Because He who is mighty has done great things for me.
and holy is His name;
And His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear Him. 
He has shown might with His arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. 
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty. 
He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy
Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever." 
Luke 1:46-55