Gospel: Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God, my savior! He has looked upon his servant, in her lowliness, and people, forever, will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name! From age to age, his mercy extends to those who live in his presence. He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up those who are downtrodden. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.
He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, for he remembered his mercy, even as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three
months, and then returned home.
Reflection:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord."
Today’s readings present a contrast between Hannah in the Old Testament and Mary in the New Testament. Hannah is barren and has pleaded with the Lord for a son. Now she has given birth to a son, Samuel, and she is about to make a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Immediately after this passage, Hannah makes her great song of praise, which is reflected in the Magnificat of Mary, who also praises God for his greatness and his mercy. Samuel means “God has heard.” Jesus means “God saves.” Both Hannah and Mary symbolize the voices of all the humble and the lowly. Throughout the generations God has heard the voice of the lowly and the downcast, and he has acted according to his providence. Now in these latter times, in our days, he has responded definitively through
his Son (cf. Heb 1:2). God has heard the groaning of his people and he is coming to save and console the world by sending his Son. It’s an action whose effects will touch the whole of history. That’s why Mary talks of a mercy that has happened in her, but which extends from age to age. With Mary we too praise the Lord.
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