Guest Translation: Mary's Psalm (Luke 1:46-55)

46 And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

By Catherine Anne Nielson:

Mary had never prophesied before. She had heard prophecy many times, dripping from the lips of learned men, but she knew it couldn’t come from her own mouth. And she was afraid. Still, when she heard Elisabeth call her blessed, the feelings that had been growing along with her belly rose to her lips, prophetic language tangled with her own thoughts.

46. I feel like a glass reflecting God’s light,

47. When I think about Him, my soul shines with joy.

48. Because He saw me–poor, a woman, from Galilee–and He chose me to be remembered.

49. And I don’t understand what happened in my body, how I have this child, but I know it is holy;

50. Even fear can bring mercy.

51-53.  And I have heard the stories about Him, what the prophets say, that it is the proud and the mighty and the rich who should be afraid, because He will raise up the lowly and the unknown, He fills the hungry with good things.

54-55. He is the God of Israel. He will always remember us.

Mary wiped her eyes as Elisabeth hugged her tight, their bellies pressed together in communion. And for three months, she felt safe.