A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (LK 1:39-56)
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on 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.”
In her response to Elizabeth, Mary gives personal witness to the great things God has done for her. She identifies herself as “his lowly servant” and then goes on to proclaim the good God has done for those who fear him, for those who are lowly in the eyes of the world, and for those who are hungry in body and spirit for his goodness. In her Magnificat, Mary confirms the strength of God’s arm and his promise of mercy.
God, help me call to mind today all that you do for me. Holy is your name. Let me take courage in your promise of mercy, even to the point of your Son’s death and resurrection, which destroyed death and brought all who believe and follow him the hope of the resurrection. Help me recall today the words of Saint Paul from the second reading: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Mary, Queen of Heaven, sees your Son sitting at your right hand in eternal glory. Animate in me the desire and hope to one day see them face to face in their joyful reunion.
From the Canticle of Zechariah: “Who is this that comes forth like the dawn, as beautiful as the moon, as resplendent as the sun?” Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us! Show us the way to your Son!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.