of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
DECEMBER 22, 2016 – THURSDAY – MARY’S MAGNIFICAT

DECEMBER 22, 2016 – THURSDAY – MARY’S MAGNIFICAT

(Luke 1:46-55)

Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Inspire your prayer in my heart.

Imagination: (Picture Mary praising God in Elizabeth’s presence)

Context:

Mary knows the Old Testament song of Hannah, mother of Samuel (1Sam 2:1-10). Hannah rejoiced that she conceived by God’s power after years of hopelessness. Mary enters into an even greater joy of conceiving God made man.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Mary prayed, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. For he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. He has shown the might of his arm. He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and has sent the rich away empty. He has blessed Israel, his servant, being mindful of his mercy. Just as he promised Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

  1. Mary is immersed in the greatest of all mysteries.
  2. The angel told her the mystery and Elizabeth further explained it.
  3. In her mystical vision, Mary sees herself guiding all of history.
  4. Mary prophesies about the Kingdom. The rich will become poor and the poor, rich. The powerful will grow helpless and the little ones gain strength.
  5. Mary is the center of this total, worldwide upheaval.
  6. Each generation will enjoy Mary’s favors, but only when they call her “blessed.”

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words)

  1. You, Mary are the easy way, the short way, the sure way into the Kingdom.
  2. Guide my steps. Enlighten my mind. You always safeguard the little ones.
  3. O Mary, flood my heart with God’s favors.
  4. Let me be poor, little, empty and hungry in this life, so I can be blessed in the age to come.
  5. Mary, share with me your mystical visions. Let me see the Kingdom, and all that God is doing.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

  1. I will renew my devotion to Mary.
  2. I will read St. Louis de Montfort’s book “True Devotion to Our Blessed Mother.”

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)

He who is mighty has done great things for me.