Sing in the Morning, Sing in the Evening

Beloved in Christ,

I’m excited to be walking through the Gospel of Luke this fall with so many of you. It has been wonderful to see the many different ways faith communities and other groups are planning to dive into this theologically and spiritually rich resource together. 

One of my favorite things about the early chapters of Luke’s gospel is the canticles, spoken by several of the players after they receive some astonishing news from an angel. Two of these canticles from chapter 1, the Song of Zechariah (often called the Benedictus) and the Song of Mary (often called the Magnificat), have traditionally been prayed by the church at morning and evening prayer, respectively. The Benedictus preview’s John the Baptist’s mission to prepare the way for Jesus, announcing God’s intention to remember God’s promise to save, to liberate, and to heal. Praying it in the morning helps us be mindful of watching for and announcing God’s blessing and provision through the day. The Magnificat, which Mary sings after learning she will be the Mother of God, recalls God’s faithfulness through the generations, and boldly claims God’s preference for the poor and the cast aside. Praying it at the end of each day helps us bring to mind where we have seen God at work. 

Scripture study is a critical part of following the way of Jesus, because studying and praying with it in this way shapes our imaginations and molds how we see and experience our ordinary lives. It’s an indispensable part of how our hearts and lives are fully joined to God’s project to heal the world with love. 

The story of scripture is a story of life, love, and liberation. It’s where we meet the fullness of the God of life, love, and liberation. I’m excited to read Luke again with fresh eyes, wondering how we will meet God’s promises again in our own day, together. 

Grace and peace,

The Right Reverend Craig Loya
X Bishop