Mary Said Yes

This week's sermon - Mary Said Yes - focused on The Magnificat, the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-55.  I learned this week that there are actually four songs, or canticles in Luke.  In case you didn't know, they are The Magnificat; The Benedictus or Song of Zechariah 1:68-79; The Gloria in Excelsis or Song of the Angels 2:14; and the Nunc Demittis or Song of Simeon 2:29-32.  Pastor Suzanne talked about how rejoicing may not seem like an appropriate response in the face of the Sandy Hook tragedy, in the face of many tragedies within our own congregation in the past couple of weeks, but then again, maybe it is.

Music has power.  It has the power to convey emotions for which words are inadequate.  It has the power to offer respite.  Probably in the times of Luke it helped to recall and retell historical events.  In The Magnigicat Mary praised God not only for the work God is doing in her life, but she claims all God's past actions and future promises for all people.  She speaks of God's mercy, protection for the humble, care for the hungry in the same way traditional hymns speak to us today, I think.  Really, what is Easter without "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" or "He Lives!"?  Christmas hymns abound, and then there are the comforting hymns like "It Is Well With My Soul" or "The Hymn of Promise."

Still feeling in need of some healing I decided to attend a second service on Sunday, at a different church, because I had seen they were hosting a guest musicians.  So I went in search of the power of the music. Now, sometimes you have to listen for the still quiet voice of God directing you, and other times, it seems, God opts for the two-by-four-upside-the-head.  I got the two-by-four.  Before the service even began I met with friends who I haven't seen in years and was able to spend some time visiting and catching up with them.

Next, what do you think the message was based on at this second service?  If you guessed a canticle of Luke, then you would be correct.  The Song of Simeon to be precise.  Simeon was living a purposeful life, having been promised by God that he would see the Messiah he went to the temple every day, waiting for comfort and peace.  The question in this sermon - what are you waiting for?  Consider your purpose.

The guest musicians were everything I had hoped for and then some.  I have seen them before and the live performance allows me to shed all the thoughts and worries of my conscious, every day life and open my mind and soul to contemplate... other things.  After the service I decided to wait in an extraordinarily long line to buy a CD that I really didn't need, but felt that I needed to be there for a while longer.  While waiting in line I struck up a conversation with the woman behind me.  It didn't take too long until we uncovered the fact that she is related to some good friends who I haven't seen in quite some time.  I asked her to pass on greetings for me, and even remembered to send off a card when I got home.

I got lots of food for thought this week, and maybe a few answers.  I am still processing my experiences.  It seems the more I study and think, the more questions I have.  The one answer I got this week was from Psalms:

 
Psalm 27:14

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

 I'll be doing my best to wait for the Lord.  And it is a lot easier to say yes to God when I can put a sound track to the wait.  Thanks, Mary.