Witness to the work of God

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today are examples of the action of God in the lives of those thought insignificant in society. Hannah, who was barren, has her prayer for a child answered. This lifts her from a lowly position as an infertile woman to one who becomes a mother and who is inspired to praise God for the action in support of the lowly, poor and downtrodden. The song of praise of Hannah which is the psalm for today is echoed in the words of praise of Mary in the Gospel of Luke. The lowly virgin from Nazareth is to make the greatness of the Lord known by her life and her indwelling Spirit will resonate joyfully with the Spirit of God as the Divine promise to be Immanuel, God with us, is enfleshed in Jesus. Our mission is modeled by Mary. Our lives are to witness the Presence by actions which bring mercy and a relationship with God to others.