The text on May 17, 2001 in the Norwegian churches is taken from Mary's song of praise, Luke 1,50-53. "His mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty."

This is one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible. Two women, Mary and Elizabeth are both expectant mothers. Elizabeth married to the priest Zechariah, lives in a God-fearing way together with her husband. In a vision in the temple of the Lord, Zechariah receives the message that his wife Elizabeth will bear him a son, and he shall be given the name John. At the outset this seemed to be of little likelihood, not only is Zechariah an old man, but his wife is also well along in years. But the conception does occur.

Mary was only engaged to Joseph. It was, of course, a shame to give birth under these circumstances. But she received the message directly from an angel: "Do not be afraid, Mary, because you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High."

Mary visited her relative Elizabeth. Of course, they were both full of doubt, they were frightened about what lay ahead. They needed each other for consolation and encouragement.

Their insecurity turns to joy - and song. Elizabeth speaks prophetically to and about Mary: "Blessed are you among women." And "But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

And Mary herself bursts into song. The first part is a praise of God who has chosen her to give birth to the Savior of the world. The part of the song with which our text is concerned transports us from Mary's personal experience of God's power to a more general description of God and what he means for all of us: God's grace. That means mercy - not to be blamed for our sins, mistakes and failures.

Not a fleeting moment's grace determined by the situation, but a steady, everlasting grace - from generation to generation. None of us, I expect, need to go far back in our families to find faithlessness and failure. You probably don't need to go far back in your own life either. You know about it, feel it; situations where you did not measure up, did not do what you ought to, or failed to do what you should have done. Or thought unkind thoughts. Mary's song is for you. Because it tells about God's grace - that God's mercy is for you. His forgiveness - his unconditional forgiveness. It is in a way good, when I otherwise feel weakness and failure, to know that I am connected to people from generation to generation - who also suffered their weaknesses and failures.

But even more so - and much more important, people who met the same God, his grace and mercy; his forgiveness. In this way, we feel the strength of the generations - where we come for strength in times of weakness.

"For he who fears Him"... Fear of God, God-fearing, which is not anxiety, but acceptance and honor of God in our lives. It is to allow God into our lives, to count on him, meet him, here in God's house, in God's words, in prayer, accepting his grace.

That will be a blessing. Not only for us, but for generations. Perhaps you may be blessed this way, perhaps you had or have a father, a mother, a grandfather or grandmother, great grandfather or great grandmother - perhaps immigrants to Minnesota- who prayed for their descendants, who laid the path for grace and forgiveness, a stream of blessings which flows around you today.

Blessed be our forefathers, God-fearing people. God does not only deal with individuals but with generations and peoples. God's power always works in two ways throughout history. It works in judgment over those who go against God's will and in blessing for those who trust him.

In Mary's song there are three groups who suffer God's punishment: the haughty, the rulers and the rich.

I suppose we are all in the danger zone. How easy it is for those of us who have accomplished something to become superior: great in our own eyes, while downgrading others. First and foremost the danger of believing that I can manage by myself, also when facing the almighty God. "Examine me, God, and know my mind; test me and understand my anxious thoughts. Watch lest I follow any path that grieves you; lead me in the everlasting way." Rulers, yes, any and all of us are in situations where we may rule, exercise power. What do we use it for? The way Jesus showed us - by looking after those who especially need help and support, the humble ones? They will one day be glorified. Let us be part of that, so that we don't fall out of God's grace.

The rich - many of us may be among them. Do we keep the riches to ourselves? Do they fill our lives - yes, then we will as times goes by feel the emptiness of materialism. God looks after the poor, the hungry. Do we - so that we will reap god's grace and blessing?

God works throughout history. To foster fairness. And he calls on us - to be the instrument of the Lord - throughout history - from generation to generation. And - above all- God's mercy flows like a stream through history. From generation to generation. Blessings for those who accept, for those who will stand in the stream of grace. So that we are not blamed for our evil thoughts, misdeeds or failures. God is a merciful God.

Thank you, God, for all you have showered upon us - through generations in Norway, in America, in Minnesota. Your mercy is everlasting. Help me to remain in your grace.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end.