The canticle of Mary
MARY said:/ “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;/ my spirit rejoices in God my savior,/ for he has looked upon his lowly servant./ From this day all generations will call me blessed;/ the Almighty has done great things for me,/ and holy is his Name./ He has mercy on those who fear him/ in every generation./ He has shown the strength of his arm,/ and has scattered the proud in their conceit./ He has cast down the mighty from their thrones/ and has lifted up the lowly./ He has filled the hungry with good things,/ and the rich he has sent away empty./ He has come to the help of his servant Israel/ for he remembered his promise of mercy,/ the promise he made to our fathers,/ to Abraham and his children for ever.”
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home. REFLECTION THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD. In Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, right after their conversation, Mary sings her canticle. Her song focuses on the greatness of God. Believing she is blessed and being aware of the great Child in her womb, Mary enumerates the great things God has done for her and for her people Israel.
The canticle looks innocent, but it contains memories dangerous to those who want to cling to power, wealth, and prestige. These people should learn from history that shows how God has overthrown them all. Now they are no more. God will do the same to the present oppressive worldly powers. It is just a matter of time.
Here in her song, Mary, like a conscienticized activist, shows awareness of what has happened. She is not ignorant of the struggles of her countrymen and women who have suffered much from oppression and poverty.
Mary sees that with her Son, being the fulfillment of prophecies and a sure sign that God remembers his mercy, another revolution is brewing. Her Son will overthrow the oppressive economic, political, and social systems, along with those who are promoting them. That is how God shows his greatness, and it makes Mary rejoice and sing.
Mary’s canticle challenges us to see our spirituality or religion as a power for social change or transformation and our faith as a force for liberation.
Abandon your irrelevant and self-serving piety. Embrace Jesus and his purpose.
SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www. stpauls.ph.