Scripture:
Reflection:
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is one of my favorite bible verses. It is such an important part of our church and its liturgies that it is prayed daily by priests, deacons and religious and all those that pray the evening prayers of the church, in the liturgy of the hours.
As I pray it each day I think of Mary, yes, but I am challenged in my thanksgiving. I am challenged in the depth of my prayer. Does my soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord? Does my spirit rejoice in God my Savior? If not, why? The Almighty HAS done great things for me after all, so why am I just saying thank you? Why am I not using my whole body and soul to proclaim His greatness?
Mary’s words are powerful and easy to look at as way ‘too holy’ for us. She was rejoicing upon the arrival of Jesus inside of her womb. Mary is the first tabernacle, the first to hold Jesus inside of her. When we receive Jesus inside of our bodies at each Mass, we too, become tabernacles. That is the perfect opportunity for us to acclaim His greatness. To use our whole body, to sing, to kneel, to listen and to rejoice in His greatness!
So, as we await the coming of our savior as a humble baby, let us rejoice in his coming into ourselves at each mass, so sustain us. Then, let us proclaim with Mary ‘the greatness of the Lord” and let our “spirit’s rejoice in God OUR savior.”
Kate Mims is the Retreat Center Director at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.