Saturday, December 22, 2012

The Canticle of Mary

Today's Reflections




The Canticle of Mary

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Lk 1:46-56

46Mary said:/ “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;/ 47my spirit rejoices in God my savior./ 48For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;/ behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed./ 49The Mighty One has done great things for me,/ and holy is his name./ 50His mercy is from age to age/ to those who fear him./ 51He has shown might with his arm,/ dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart./ 52He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones/ but lifted up the lowly./ 53The hungry he has filled with good things;/ the rich he has sent away empty./ 54He has helped Israel his servant,/ remembering his mercy,/ 55according to his promise to our fathers,/ to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”/ 56Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.


Reflection:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. The canticle of Mary is also known as the Magnificat, the first word of the hymn in Latin. Mary sings her gratitude to God. Lowly and powerless though she is, God has done great things for her, using her to fulfill his promise of redemption.

The Magnificat praises and thanks God for being faithful to his people. It extols the saving actions of God who lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things. It highlights God’s infinite mercy and compassion.

God is at work in us. God walks with us, watches us and does countless great things for us. To name but a few of God’s gifts: life and our beautiful world, good health and loving family, our jobs and faithful friends.

Have you proclaimed your gratitude to God in a song of praise? Do you appreciate all the wonderful things God has done for you and your loved ones? Or do you take these gifts for granted?


Do I give God the time to speak with me?
Do I set time aside to listen to him?

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