LET US TAKE TIME TO WRITE OUR OWN “MAGNIFICAT”
(A biblical reflection on the feast of THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, 31 May 2012)
Gospel Reading: Lk 1:39-56
First Reading: Zeph 3:14-18 or Rom 12:9-16; Psalms: Is 12:2-6
The Scripture Text
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has regarded the low estate of His hand maiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm, He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.”
And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. (Lk 1:39-56 RSV)
According to Saint Luke, after she said “yes” to the angel Gabriel’s invitation to bear God’s Son, Mary “arose and went with haste” to Elizabeth’s home (Lk 1:39). Try to imagine now what might have been on Mary’s mind as she made this long journey. Think of how she must have rejoiced at all that God was doing in her, even as she entrusted to God all her concerns or fears about the child miraculously growing in her womb.
We can look at Mary’s Magnificat – her prayer of praise to the God of the Covenant (Lk 1:46-55) – as the fruit of her reflection during this journey. As Mary reflected on what was taking place, she recognized that all the joy foretold by the Old Testament prophets had come to rest on her. All of Israel’s deepest hopes and desires would find their answer in her Child (Lk 1:54-55). She marvelled that what God was doing through her was intended for all people, not just Israel (Lk 1:48). Her whole being was caught up in the God whose greatness was magnified by the lowly vessel He had chosen to accomplish His purposes (Lk 1:47-48). Mary knew she was simply a handmaid, and that in her lowliness God’s power was manifested.
As she prayed, Mary came to see God’s grace in a whole new way. The Spirit enlightened her mind to understand that God comes to the aid of the poor and humble – to one such as she (Lk 1:52-53). This glimpse of God’s character thrilled Mary and filled her with hope, because in faith she could see that the God or mercy had indeed fulfilled His promises to Israel, His favored one (Lk 1:54-55).
As we ponder God’s work in history and in our lives, let us each take time to write our own Magnificat of praise to the Lord. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with the same love and worship of God that was in Mary’s heart, so that the whole church will resound with the praises of our great God and King.
Short Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for Your faithfulness to Mary and to the whole Church. Strengthen me to entrust my concerns to You as I focus my thoughts on Your great mercy and love. Amen.