Dec 22, 2005

Lk 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.

Mary rejoices that God has given her blessings. She was with Elizabeth for three months. I am not sure that I understand the significance of the time that they were together. She is stating here that there is a fulfillment of God's promise in her life. God is great and has lifted up the lowly.

The first reading today tells of Hannah who when she had a son after much prayer remembered the goodness of God also and dedicated Samson to God. The Hebrew Bible, known also as the Old Testament, is converging and answered in the New Testament in this reading. The saving power of God is rejoiced in and proclaimed by Mary.

I wonder how many times I have prayed and asked God for something in prayer and when God was giving and merciful, I failed to recognize God's gift and just accepted what was given without rejoicing and thanks. There are small miracles in all life daily. Today in my morning prayer, I will give thanks for the recent gifts in my life.