6th day of the Octave before Christmas, Friday, December 22, 2023
1 Sm 1:24-28; (Ps) 1 Sm 2:1,4-7,8abcd; Lk 1:46-56
Today we hear Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting in the Magnificat. It is one of the many canticles that are in the Bible, and scholars will tell us, that it is made up of multiple other scripture verses, yet the formulation of it into one canticle makes it uniquely Mary’s. In the Magnificat, all the Old Testament allusions to the Messiah are brought together in a hymn of thanksgiving with deep emotion and strong conviction. Mary proclaims it from deep within her soul.
Those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily will know this canticle very well, for it is said every evening during Evening Prayer. It is also most fitting to have it read during Advent, especially at the end of Advent where our thoughts are moved to one of anticipation of the coming of our Savior. All the fruits of faith and dependence on a merciful God are extolled. There is a prophetic ring to Mary’s words, and we should listen to them carefully and meditate on them. God is near, and He will be there as the Mighty One, caring for the needy and us all.
Needy or not, we can find solace in her words; …..Holy is His name. He has mercy for all. He has shown strength and has cast down the mighty. He has lifted up the lowly and has filled the hungry with good things. He has come to help (all of us) and has remembered His promise, the one He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children. All of this will last forever.
What a perfect response to Elizabeth’s greeting; “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Pray now that you, too, are touched by the Lord and can respond with this canticle from your soul, “My soul proclaims, the greatness of the Lord…” And believe it.
Saint James Catholic Church 