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. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.”
Every line of the Magnificat spoken by Mary is a reflection on God’s splendor and divine identity. Mary proclaims the Lord’s greatness and rejoices in his salvation. As in the Our Father, “holy is his Name.” What divinely inspired insight Mary expresses in saying, “He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.” How is it possible that Mary could proclaim this without God’s wisdom literally dwelling within her? Mary says, “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.” How can I be attentive to these words? Today, particularly, how do I recognize God as ruler and judge over all the earth and the one who remembers the promise of mercy he made to Abraham and his children forever?
God, strengthen in me the voice that wants to proclaim your greatness and rejoice in Jesus your Son, Our Savior. Come to my help to bring strength of arm and mercy to be given. I know my way of delivering either of those falls quickly into impotence unless they come by way of your grace.
Lord, be present with me today and keep me upright to turn to you and rejoice. Guide me today and look upon me with your mercy. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
From the O Antiphon for today: O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
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.