Midrash: Luke 1:46-55

The Jewish rabbis have it right. For centuries, they've been telling us that we don't just "read the Bible as it is" -- we are always interpreting the text whether we're aware of it or not. It's actually an insight that only recently mainstream scholars in both biblical studies as well as in literature have come to accept. The French postmodern Derrida has helped us to see this. And, although I don't agree with him in his extreme arguments that all meaning lies within us rather than within the text, his observations are entirely accurate inasmuch as they make us aware of our own theological biases and the inability of us to transcend those biases.

The Jews have a long tradition of what they call midrash. A midrash is an extended , very loose paraphrase of the sacred texts which makes explicit the ways the reader interprets what she reads. (Ha'aretz, the oldest news daily of Israel, offers a better definition: "Midrash is a way of interpreting biblical stories that goes beyond simple distillation of religious, legal or moral teachings. It fills in many gaps left in the biblical narrative regarding events and personalities that are only hinted at.")

I recognize that some conservative Christians who think of the Bible as some immutable, purely divine document handed down from on high with little or no human influence (much as Muslims view the Qu'ran) will be uncomfortable with the seemingly biased nature of midrash. Nevertheless, I find it to be a helpful practice on many levels since it elucidates the way we read the text, makes us aware of our own biases, and expounds upon the Scripture in a manner similar to what preachers do every Sunday.

As a side note, I was introduced to the practice of midrash by two Christians, Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat, in their wonderful book called Colossians Remixed that I highly recommend to anyone. So, with fear and trembling, I am trying my hand at midrash for the first time. Eventually, I might even do one on the entirety of Luke-Acts (since those are my favorite books of the Bible and the ones I've studied the most in an academic manner).

Below is a midrash on Luke 1:46-55, known as Mary's Song or the Magnificat.

*******

Unable to contain herself any longer, the virgin Mary broke out into song and this is what she declared:

The innermost depth of my soul -- that part of me which makes me human and sets me apart from animal creation -- is compelled to sing glories and praises to YHWH, my God.

The breath within my lungs -- which animated to life the first man Adam from the dust -- aches to scream praises and honor to the Saving God whom I serve --

For he, yes YHWH the Unspeakable One, has actually turned his attention, his Divine Mind to me -- a lowly, humble, insignificant young woman of no social standing without any prestige to my name.

Because of what He has done, generation upon generation will remember the name "Mary" and declare that I am honored and favored by God Almighty.

And why will people honor me for centuries to come? Because the strong and mighty One who defends me against the proud has looked at me with favor. He has decided to choose me and to delight in me. Oh how sacred His Name is to me!

To those who show Him the awe and honor that is due to Him, YHWH has proven merciful and faithful throughout the ages from one generation to another.

God's arm is strong. He actively works in this world to bring about justice on behalf of those who are powerless.

Those who are arrogant are brought low by Him. Those who think they control the world because they have large bank accounts or plenty of lobbyists -- those who handle politicians like puppets on a string and think that the rules do not apply to them -- those who trust in their own power and make a mockery of the poor and powerless -- those who sit on the thrones of kings and make decrees that change the lives of millions of unseen people -- those who place money and power above all else: these people are being and will be brought low by my God. Such so-called "rulers and authorities" will in the end learn that all of their self-aggrandizing will amount to nothing.

And in their place, who will God put into positions of honor, power, and authority? Silly little girls like myself who were once thought to have no significance. He will raise up the orphan in China. He will raise up the sex slaves in Thailand. He will raise us the Dalits ("Untouchables") of India. He will raise up the unborn baby that never had a voice. He will raise up the poor in urban centers of wealthy nations who have been caught in systems of oppression created by those with power. He will raise up the lowly even as He brings down the powerful.

Those who go hungry at night and know the pangs of thirst as they fall asleep will be invited to a grand banquet -- the likes of which has never been seen by even the richest corporate executive. The hungry will hunger no more. They will eat fine foods and drink fine wines late into the night.

Meanwhile, those who once thought of the world as their playground will go away in hunger, destitution, and poverty. The wealthy and powerful will have the rug pulled out from under them and they will have nothing, NOTHING left to stand on.

YHWH made a promise to Abraham and his children centuries ago. And although it may seems as though He has long since forgotten that promise, He has not. The nation that cries out to God, "Where are you? How long, O Lord?" will once again break out into jubilant song and dance when they realize that YHWH has remembered them and shown mercy to them and uplifted them from their pit. The merciful protection of God is still upon his people like myself who place their trust in him. The oppressed shall go free and the oppressor shall be brought low.

I cannot help but sing.