Advent day 21

Luke 1:46-56          Advent day 21

          As I wrote before (Advent day 7), Mary could have been the first gay icon.  In this reading from the Gospel of Luke, we have Mary speaking in terms perhaps only a 'born again' person  or a gay Christian can understand. I feel such is the power that lies within the heart and soul of every gay person when they come to accept God's love, to accept who God has made them to be and the fullness of life they will feel and exude.

            Having said this exact reading many, many times in evening prayer in the seminary, I understand the force and power that comes forth when they are read in unison. This is the same power of the so called gay agenda. It is the power that belongs to anyone or any group when they acknowledge who they are and have pride in it. Together it has great force. It isn't even necessarily that the force is used, it is simply easily seen by anyone. There is no denying the power and authority of self assuredness and of knowing you are right, and having the loving God on your side. The reason so many religious leaders come off as negative, unbelievable and disingenuous is because while they may feel self assured and may even be convincing on some level, it is the power of the loving God that is the clincher if you will. That is the true power. It is why the Roman Catholic church is in such dire straights on so many issues.  The faithful (sensus fidelium) have the power because they instinctively know what is right and have God on their side. It is the power of the Holy Spirit which no authority created by man or circular logic can compensate for.

            One of the gifts that God gives anyone who accepts who they are and revels in their God given goodness, is a power that has no earthly equal. It is power Mary speaks of in this reading and it is the power that is yours if you accept who you are.

             Fly forth little butterfly with the power of the Son. 

Mary said:

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

for he has looked upon his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

and has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever."

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months

and then returned to her home.