Advent 3rd Wk December 22, 2018
Reflection on the WORD
“Magnificat”: In today’s Gospel, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mary profoundly praises to God: with great joy she acknowledges that she is merely a “handmaid of the Lord.” Mary foretells how the arrogant, rich and powerful will be destroyed, while the poor and needy will be exalted.
Lk 1:46-56
Mary said:
‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant.
Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed,
for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name,
and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him.
He has used the power of his arm,
he has routed the arrogant of heart.
He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly.
He has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love
-according to the promise he made to our ancestors - of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever’.
Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •In today’s Gospel Mary accepted her mission to be the Mother of God with uncompromising faith and obedience because she believes that God will fulfil the Word He had spoken.
- •As Christmas approaches, it is timely for us to renew our faith and hope in God and be more resolved to deepen our love for God and neighbour.
- •May we, like Mary, always praise and magnify God’s greatness and mercy and earnestly seek to do His Will with humility. Thus renewing our faith and hope in God this Christmas.