Fourth Week of Advent: Thursday
Reading: Luke 1:46-56
Mary said:
‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
and my spirit exults in God my saviour;
because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.
Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,
For the Almighty has gone great things for me.
Holy is his name,
and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.
He has shown the power of his arm,
he has routed the proud of heart.
He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things,
the rich sent empty away.
He has come to the help of Israel his servant,
mindful of his mercy
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’
Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.
Reflection
Mary echoes a song of unbounded joy that she has been chosen to bear the saviour of the world. Acknowledging her creaturehood before God, she offers him her deepest praise. He has looked graciously upon her and blessed her in her nothingness. Her life has been transformed and she will be consecrated in holiness forever more. From this place of intimacy with God, she reminds us that the nature of God is faithful. He who is Almighty will be merciful to people whose lives are lived in humility and love. The little ones of the earth will always know his great care. His promise of salvation will be fulfilled.
We too are chosen by the Lord to have a relationship of deep intimacy with him. Each day he blesses us as he chooses for our growth in holiness. He asks us to be attentive and to respond in love to this divine invitation. May we like Mary, sing our own song of praise and thanksgiving to him who is Almighty and has done great things for us. Holy is his name.