She is young and pregnant and isn't married yet. If this is the sign of God's favor, most of us would rather not be God's favored one. But young Mary rises to the occasion.

...

When John the Baptist is questioned about his calling and his authority he deflect the questions, first to Isaiah, then to the one who is to come. Clearly, though he is sent from God, John has kept his role in the proper perspective.

Jesus quotes this passage in his sermon at his home congregation in Nazareth. In doing so he seems to be describing his own calling. He winds up (in the words of the clich) comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.

God speaks a word of comfort to a people who seem to be at the point of despair. The question is: Will we live out of our faith in God or be confined by the circumstances around us?

Jonah is reluctant to do what God tells him to do. After all, Nineveh is the capital of an enemy country, the people are of another religion. Why does God care and why should he waste his time?