22-Dec-16

Gospel LK 1:46-56
Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.”
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned to her home.
Reflection:
Mary's "magnificent" prayer touches the heart of every person who loves God. Her words ring as true today as they did when she spoke them two thousand years ago.
Truly, He lifts us up when we are low and fills the hearts of those who turn to Him with good things.
For when the burdens of life overwhelm us, it is then that we too "rejoice" in the goodness of God and proclaim His greatness.
God sees us as we are and loves us, not only because of our goodness but in spite of our many failings.
He turns His face from pride and conceit; He embraces those who are humble of heart.
Each time we turn to God in repentance, He carries out His promise of mercy.
"But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us." - - Romans 5:8