Wonderful God,

your daughter Hannah looked forward to a great reversal -

  when those who were full go hungry,

    and those who were hungry are satisfied;

  when the poor are lifted up from the dust

    and made to sit with princes;

  when the faithful ones will be guarded

    but the wicked and their ways will perish.

And did she see it, I wonder, or did she die waiting.

From the rising of the sun (or the blue moon!) to the going down of the same

  we praise your name, O Lord,

  as we also look and long for your great reversal.(1)

Thank you

  for Hannah and her faith,

  for Elizabeth and the welcome and hospitality she offered Mary,

  for Mary and her willingness to be a part of your dream,

     even though it meant suffering and sorrow.

Give us grace to follow their examples.

 

 (1) on 2nd thought, I had casserole last night, cereal this morning, pasta with pesto for lunch - I haven't been hungry for a long, long time.  Hmmm.......