God pours out His favor upon those who are least among us. In fact, when the Apostles began to debate which of them is the greatest, Jesus taught them, “the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48) Mary seemed to already understand this truth when she said:
He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.
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Of course, it was difficult for the Jewish people at that time to recognize Jesus as the Messiah because they were expecting a king who would literally defeat all their enemies and restore them to political and economic power. Like much of the Old Testament teachings, Mary’s prayer does have language that might be confusing in that way.
Now here we are, two millenia later, and we know better. …Right? Or do we still hold onto an expectation that God will take care of the political and economic forces in our world?
Maybe we could all use a little examination of our priorities. As St. Paul would remind us, we are all members of the body of Christ. Our mission is not to conquer the world, it is to “lift up the lowly.” Does our prayer reflect that goal?
What can we do this week to become the least? How can I be a servant the way Jesus demonstrated?