Posted by The WORD in other words by Fr Lino Nicasio SVD – Saint Jude Thaddeus Parish, Manila
December 22 – Advent
When great things happen to people, they utter exclamations of surprise, joy and thanksgiving. Think of those who win the lotto, pass exams or meet the right person for their lives. Or consider receiving for Christmas the very gift you were hoping and praying for.
In today’s gospel, Mary bursts into song, realizing what God has done for her, choosing her to be the Mother of the Messiah, and that God remembered His mercy and His promise to His chosen people. What lessons do we reap from Mary’s Magnificat?
First, Mary renders praise and glorifies the greatness of the Lord. In all of our prayers, in all our dealings with the Almighty praise comes first. As we are but His lowly creatures, our duty is to praise, glorify and worship God, the Creator and Father of us all. We owe everything that we have and are to God. This, as the Preface says is “right and just.”
Next Mary rejoices in God the Savior. Are we happy to know, love and serve God? Do we, as we realize God’s greatness and providence, “rejoice in the Lord always,” as Saint Paul exhorts us?
Furthermore the gospel gives the reason why Mary is called “blessed,” because it was God Himself who chose her to be the mother of the Savior despite her lowliness. Thus we see that God is pro-poor, pro-humble, and favors those who fear Him.
Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mother of God, teaches us how to regard God: with praise and thanksgiving, with humility and faith and with much joy always. God will not fail us, helping us as He did to Israel, with much love and compassion, for His mercy endures forever.
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