Today’s reflection: December 22, 2021, Luke 1:46-58
The Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise to God her savior, is today’s Gospel reading. It parallels Hannah’s song of praise which is today’s Psalm Response although it comes from 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd.
Each praises God for “lifting up the lowly” and casting “down the mighty from their thrones.” Both Hannah and Mary were considered lowly—Hannah for being barren, Mary for her poverty.
Hannah acclaims God for giving her a child after a long time of barrenness. Mary praises God that the coming of the Messiah was being fulfilled in her time and through her. Included in her hymn is a thank you for what God has done directly for her.
Her song is personal. It is her soul that proclaims the greatness of the Lord, all generations will call her blessed, and the Almighty has done great things for her!
Realize that Mary was singing these words of love and joy before being fully wed to Joseph. If he refused her situation, she would have been a single mother, pregnant outside of marriage. In first-century Israel, her predicament warranted, not only shame but the death penalty.
This joy could only have come from one who had complete trust in God. Her great trust has garnered our salvation.
Let’s join our worries and concerns to Mary’s and trust that God is holding us in His hands. Let’s also pray for all unwed women who are in Mary’s position. May they learn to trust their lives to God and follow Mary’s virtues of humility, purity, and obedience.
When we place all our concerns in God’s hands, we can rejoice at the coming of our Savior this Christmas and His Second Coming. Not only has the Almighty done great things for us, but He will continue to do so.
