Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 22, 2016 -
[1 Samuel 1:24-28 and Luke 1:46-56]From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. [Luke]
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 DECEMBER 22 [COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS]
[1 Samuel 1:24-28 and Luke 1:46-56]
From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. [Luke]
Every day, at Evening Prayer (Vespers), the Church proclaims the "Canticle of Mary" (the "Magnificat"). This hymn recounts the works of God as proclaimed by the Old Testament prophets and as personified by Mary herself. God has "looked upon his lowly servant." God has "come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our ancestors to Abraham and his children forever." Mary became a vessel of that mercy. She is presented in the Gospel of Luke as the ideal disciple. The Holy Spirit fills her at the beginning of Jesus' earthly life and fills her once more at Pentecost, the beginning of the ministry of the Church. [Acts 1:14]
The Magnificat is more than a beautiful and majestic hymn of praise for God and Mary, it is a direct challenge to each of us who are baptized. Pope Francis has continually exhorted all of us to be "missionaries of mercy." In this season of joy and celebration there are many for whom that joy and celebration are remote sentiments because of a death in the family, loss of job, health crises, a son or daughter or spouse in combat somewhere, or no resources to provide a celebration. All of us have the opportunity to "fill the hungry with good things" and make God's promise as real as that child in the manger. Mary made the trip to be of help to Elizabeth. Travel was arduous and risky then. We may need only to drive a few blocks or go next door. In glorifying God by reaching out to those in need of mercy, we enable them to glorify God in their turn. That is a Christmas gift beyond price! AMEN
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