This hymn in Luke’s gospel is one of the most beautiful passages of writing in all of the Scriptures. Placed within this holy week, it serves as a reminder of what God has done, is doing and will do for his chosen people. It reminds me to remember, sometimes in gentle ways, sometimes in not-so-gentle ways of what the Lord has done for me over the past year. During this time of the year, with all our preparations for the celebration of Christmas, it is possible to lose sight of how the Lord is working within us. We are yet again reminded to prepare for the Lord’s eventual return during a time of the year when we turn inward to ourselves and our families and friends. Advent is not a “relaxing or nesting” time--the Spirit is at work in the world and we should take part in that work! The season asks us to take stock of our hearts, our minds--our entire being--to see how we have responded to God’s love.
How has the Lord “shown strength” in my life? Have I been part of the “proud of heart,” and have seen my follies exposed? Have I acted with compassion and justice or not? This hymn can be a means for examining how I have cooperated with God’s love. But more than that, the hymn helps me to focus on what is really important--how much I am loved by the Lord and how I am to give that love to others.
Member of Creighton University Community
Since its inception in 1997, Online Ministries has been blessed to have myriad members of the Creighton University community offer their personal reflections on the daily scripture readings.
