In Mary's Words

Linda Kracht offers a reflection on the Magnificat. Grab your journal to ponder these questions.

In just three days we will celebrate Christmas! Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about the things you have left to do? If so, please take a few minutes and join with me to ponder Mary’s Magnificat. Hopefully, this short reflection will offer both of us a brief respite and the wisdom to discern the most important things in life—before and after Christmas. It’s helpful to realize that the Twelve Days after Christmas actually gives us time to finish sending out those Christmas cards, bake a few more cookies (if we want), and enjoy the season more fully!

Today, let’s ponder what Mary taught us with regard to giving glory to her Son in all the right ways this Christmas! Today’s Gospel reading is from Luke 1:46-56. Read the following verses and then come back to reflect on the questions. Enjoy this reflection. 

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”

Mary tells Elizabeth that her soul glorifies the Lord. What does she mean? How does Mary glorify the Lord? Does your soul glorify the Lord? Explain.  

“My spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

How does Mary’s spirit rejoice in God? Define Savior. Who is your Savior? Does your spirit rejoice in God? How do you rejoice in God? Is there a difference between our soul and our spirit? 

“For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.”

How does Mary display her genuine humility? What is humility? Why is humility necessary for holiness? What vice opposes humility? 

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name."

What great things did the Mighty One do for Mary? What great things does the Mighty One do for you?  

“His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him."

What is fear of the Lord? How do we put on fear of the Lord? Why is it a virtue? Why is fear of the Lord necessary in order to receive God’s Mercy? How have you experienced God’s mercy? 

"He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart."

What does Mary mean when she says that God performs mighty deeds with his arm? Who does God scatter? How does He scatter? Why is pride a stumbling block to faith? What virtue does pride oppose and effectively uproot?  

“He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.”

Obviously, Mary loves God and is well-schooled in the Torah. How well do you know God and His ways? Where and how do you learn about God? 

“The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.”

What does this verse mean? Does God continue to fill the hungry with good things? Who are the hungry? Saint Augustine taught that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. How does that apply to you and me and Mary?  

“He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Does this verse still apply today? Explain in your own words.  

May your Christmas be merry and blessed! And may God grant you a happy New Year.

Copyright 2023 Linda Kracht
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