Mary

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And 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 mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”  Luke 1: 46-55
Lord God,

I’m just Mary.

All of my life I’ve listened to stories

of Your miraculous “right arm”

–battles won, babies born to barren women,

seas parted, sick people healed,

the dead brought back to life.

Pondering them fanned my hope

that You are still with my people,

that you still love us and have not forgotten us.

You have not forgotten!

I don’t know what lies ahead,

but I know that You will be with me,

just Mary,

your bondservant,

forever.

To You I give all my thanks and praise.

Amen.

We remember Mary, the mother of God and give thanks for the miracle of motherhood that came to her– a virgin– chosen and blessed.

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February 25 Out Of Love

Image by Marian Trinidad

“The entire law is summed up in a single command:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:14

“This statement is expressed in a beautiful and powerful way:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  There is no attitude more outstanding, respected, and virtuous than love.  No one can show you a model that is better, more certain, and more real than yourself.

 * * * *

If you want to know how to love your neighbor and want to have a clear example of it, then pay careful attention to how you love yourself.  In times of need and danger, you certainly want to be loved and helped with all the advice, resources, and power of everyone everywhere.  So you don’t need a book to teach and admonish you how to love your neighbor.  For you have the best and most lovely book about all laws right in your heart.

* * * * *

You don’t need a teacher; just consult your own heart.  It will thoroughly teach you that your neighbor should be loved the way you love yourself.  Further, love is the highest virtue.  Its prepared to serve not only with words, hands, money and possessions, but also with the body and even life itself.  It’s not motivated by reward or anything else.  It’s not slowed down by unworthiness or ungratefulness of a neighbor.  We should serve our neighbor out of love, just as a mother cherishes and cares for her child out of love.”

Taken from  Faith Alone: A Daily Devotional (Writings of Martin Luther)

March 14 Nothing Is Impossible

Image by Lauren Boebinger

Numbers 21:1-22:20;  Luke 1:26-56;  Psalm 57:1-11;  Proverbs 11:9-11

“I am the Lord’s servant,”  Mary answered.

“May it be to me as you have said.”

Then the angel left her.”

Luke 1:38

 

Simple faith,

though afraid,

Mary’s life

would change.

 

Face to face

with Gabriel

words of praise

seemed strange.

 

“Who am I?

How can this be?

What will happen

next?”

 

Power from God

on High

will plant

the precious seed.

 

Learn of Elizabeth

of great age,

expects a child

as well.

 

Go to her,

share you news

and dwell on holy words,

“Nothing is impossible with God.”

Lord God, create in me a willing spirit like Mary’s, so that when you direct me to go and do and serve, I will gladly do so.  May I remember Mary’s boy-child, Jesus, who gave His life as a ransom for me–and who now reigns with you in Heaven.  In the little things of life may I be found faithful as wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter.  And when it seems you’re asking the impossible, may I remember those holy words–“With God nothing is impossible.”  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“I will praise you, O Lord,

among the nations;

I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love,

reaching to the heavens;

Your faithfulness reaches

to the skies.”

Psalm 57:9-10