***
Gospel: Luke 1: 46-56
Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
and has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.”
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months
and then returned to her home.
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
This is the longest set of words ever spoken by a woman in the New Testament, words spoken by Mary shortly after conceiving Christ in her womb.
***
Mary’s often depicted as a young girl; feminine; humble; her eyes cast down; passive; a peasant living on the edge of society.
While there’s truth in all of these, there are two things about Mary rarely depicted; things we discover in today’s Gospel passage.
Her prophetic role. And her strength.
All of the words Mary speaks are in the past tense. God, “has cast down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent away empty.”
For a moment, Mary sees as God sees – beyond space and time – into the new world being ushered in by Jesus. In looking to the future, Mary plays the role of prophet.
***
But what about her strength?
The words of the Magnificat, Mary’s words, have been seen by many as revolutionary. This hymn has even been banned by governments at different points in history, such as India, Argentina, and Guatemala, because of what it proposes.
There’s a moral revolution. God will “scatter the proud in their conceit,” exalting the humble.
There’s a social revolution. God will, “cast down the mighty from their thrones,” ending all abuse of power.
And there’s an economic revolution. God will “fill the hungry with good things,” giving everyone their fair share.
***
We’re a long way from these promises being fulfilled in our world. But Mary saw the end – and she rejoiced.
As Christians, we’re invited to usher in this new kingdom of peace and justice in the smallest of ways:
By living humbly like Mary. Sharing our resources like the shepherds. And protecting the poor like the first Christians did.
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
***
Dear Father Kevin,
Thank you so much for providing these inspiring, soul-lifting and peaceful moments of reflection to keep us “grounded” so as not to lose sight of the true meaning of the “Christmas Season” which is not about the wrapped gift packages under the tree. I was born in Italy, we never had a Christmas tree there, but a “Presepio”, the town of Bethlehem. Every year my Dad would create an elaborate town of Bethlehem with caves made of Paper Mache. There were shepherds of all kinds, and angels. He would incorporate hidden strings of light and in a far corner, ripples of running water. It was a magical masterpiece! My Dad gifted each of us four sisters a Presepio that he built onto a moveable wooden base for us (complete with strings of lights of course) that we can set up on a table and decorate with our own figurines. Baby Jesus is placed in the manger on Christmas night.
That’s beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. I’m humbled and grateful to know my daily reflections are helpful. Buon Natale!
Buon Natale Father Kevin, e un Felice Anno Nuovo di Pace e Fratellanza.
Che Dio la benedica!
Silvana Maugeri
Grazie mille! Anche a te!
Grazie. Buon Natale!