The Holy Gospel according to Luke (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 forever.”
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned to her home.
Reflection: In this last week of Advent, the Gospels have led us through the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. A brief recap. Monday’s Gospel from Matthew tells us how the birth of Jesus came about. Tuesday’s Gospel from Luke is about the angel Gabriel announcing the birth of John the Baptist. Wednesday’s Gospel from Luke is about the Annunciation. Thursday’s Gospel is about the Visitation. Today’s Gospel from Luke, we hear Mary’s Magnificat, her wonderful prayer of worship and praise. This canticle of Mary is part of evening prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours that the ordained and religious pray everyday. The Virgin Mary is known to be the first disciple of God and her Magnificat reveals how the followers of God should act or behave. Mary is an example to all of us that we are to trust in God’s plans for us.
One way to reflect on this Gospel is to imagine this as our Magnificat. Our soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and our spirits rejoice in God our savior, for we are his lowly servants. God has blessed us and had done great things for us. Holy is his Name. God has mercy on us, sinners. His grace gives us strength but keeps us humble. God gives us and fills us with the grace we need to do his will. God is there to help us all the time with his promise of his endless mercy.
Action for the Day. In these last couple of days of Advent, may we continue to prepare and get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to await his second coming at the end of time by imitating Mary as a disciple as she leads us to her Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Audio Reflection:
