Humbly Accepting The Call

Gospel Reflection 12/22/2022

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." (Lk 1:46-47)

Mary's striking and humble words remind us of her deep and intimate relationship with God. This is why many Christians seek to praise and honor Mary, as she was set aside for an extraordinary purpose. The Lord found great favor with Mary, and she was made perfect humanly to carry the Son of God. While today's Gospel contains many nuggets of wisdom, the one main area of emphasis is "trusting in the Lord." As Christians, we can aspire to trust as Mary did and let the Holy Spirit guide us. Mary's words are meant for all as she says, "for he who is mighty has done great things." (Lk 1:49)

Mary's obedience is profound as she could accept God's call humbly. Looking back at a few verses in Luke's Gospel, we read the angel Gabriel visited Zechariah, but Zechariah was not as quick to accept what the angel had to say.

"And the angel said to him in reply, "I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time." (Lk 1:19-20).

This is not to diminish Zechariah's faith because the Lord greatly favored Zechariah and Elizabeth, who would ultimately bear John the Baptist. However, we understand that the Angel Gabriel had to silence him, which I would say is not so much a punishment as it is a chance for silence and clarity to hear God properly. But while Mary had a stronger faith than Zechariah, these two stories show us that obedience and silence are necessary virtues for listening to what God has to say.

How is God calling us to serve Him? Are we willing to take the time to discern what God is trying to put into our lives? As we read in today's Gospel, the Almighty will do great things for us, and Holy is His name. Turn to Mary today and ask her to strengthen your trust in God. Let's Proclaim the greatness of the Lord, and let our spirit rejoice in Him.

"And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation." (Lk 1:50)

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My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
My spirit rejoices in God, my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness;
behold, from now on, will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm,
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones
but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel, his servant, remembering his mercy,
According to his promise to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

Mary's song of praise - luke 1:46-55