November 29: Strength

The word "strength" tends to convey the idea of an ability to bend things to our own will—as in, it takes strength to lift heavy objects that otherwise would not budge. And usually the words “strength” and “power” go hand in hand—as in, the powerful use their strength to gain advantage over others. But God’s strength is different. In the Magnificat, Mary celebrates God’s strength as a strength that lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things. God’s strength does not seek its own advantage but instead seeks the advantage of those whom the world discounts as weak. May we cultivate such strength as we make our way to Bethlehem’s manger.

—The Rev. Rob Donehue, rector of St. Anne’s, Conway, who also currently serves as president of the Standing Committee