Who Am I? (The Story of Mary and Elizabeth) Todd Syswerda (b. 1968)
Who Am I? is a fictional look into the lives of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her cousin, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. These two women were visited by angels – Mary, directly, and Elizabeth, through her husband, Zechariah. One can only imagine the questions that might surround a celestial visit of any sort, let alone one that contains a message from God, stating, “You are blessed and will have a son.” Outside of an incredible, miraculous surprise, composer Todd Syswerda believes both women would have to ask the question, “Who Am I?” Then, to be able to meet prior to the birth of either of these boys, Mary and Elizabeth must have traded stories, both amazed at the story of the other while continuing to question the true purpose behind her own. Soprani Compagni believes this question is often echoed with joy and adoration in the hearts of all who have experienced God’s anointing and calling upon their own hearts and lives.
MARY: This miracle, this mystery,
this gift of Life inside of me,
can only be the blessing of
the One who reigns in Heav’n above,
with power and with love.
ELIZABETH: From God on high,
this great surprise,
to know, at last, inside me lies
the hope denied to most so old . . .
a son of mine that I can hold
or so the angel told.
BOTH: Lord, who am I
that you would smile on me?
Who am I that you would call me blessed?
Who am I that you would choose to use
my common life in ways I’d never guess?
ELIZABETH: Your silhouette,
Your sweet “hello,”
my unborn child, he tells me so.
His joyous bounce as you draw near
should help your doubts to disappear
and make your calling clear.
MARY: Who am I that you should honor me?
ELIZABETH: You are the chosen one!
MARY: Who am I that I should be the one?
ELIZABETH: Ah . . .
MARY: Who am I that He should trust in
just a simple girl
to show the world his son?
ELIZABETH: Trust not yourself
but in His wisdom to design your life.
ELIZABETH: Who am I
that I could hear this news?
MARY: I’m thrilled but so afraid,
ELIZABETH: Who am I
that I could share your joy?
MARY: Ahh . . .
ELIZABETH: Who am I
that I could tell you well before we understand
that God has planned to use your boy?
MARY: But, yet, I know that He has promised
to be with me all along.
BOTH: Lord, may your will be done.
Just as Your angel has declared.
Help me remember all he said
when feeling scared
and alone.
Lord, who am I
that you smile on me?
Who am I
that you would call me blessed?
Who am I
that you would choose
to use my life in ways I’d never guess?
ELIZABETH: Today is known.
MARY: Tomorrow’s new.
BOTH: For every breath
I turn to You.
I don’t know why You’ve chosen me
but hope someday I’ll truly see what You
have willed to be.