Daily Gospel Reflection for December 22, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

I think Mary’s magnificat is the very best humble reaction a friend could have. Mary is visiting her kin Elizabeth to help her, presumably through her late pregnancy and delivery. Elizabeth praises Mary for believing that she would miraculously conceive, which contrasts greatly with her husband’s disbelief that Elizabeth could conceive at such an old age. Mary’s first response to Elizabeth’s high praise is to praise God.

Have you had a friend who commends everyone around them when they are celebrated and seems to refuse to accept the praise for themself? Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s high praise is a song of humility. She simply tells it like it is:

“. . . for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day, all generations will call me blessed.” Luke 1:48

Mary’s song is also a proclamation of hope. God, remembering His promises to Abraham and his descendants, is merciful to Israel in sending a Savior, Jesus. How many of us have heard the promises of God in Scripture year after year and still wonder when they will be made manifest? Mary shows us the way of humility, trust, and hope.

Ponder:

Do I accept praise in true humility, which reflects God as the source of who I am and everything I accomplish?

Pray:

Mary, please pray that I would grow in understanding of true humility and be given the grace to better emulate your humility and hope,

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Mary’s song is a proclamation of hope. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Lindsey Mitzel