Magnificat...

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.’” (Lk 1:46-48)

Once the Annunciation has taken place, we find Mary setting out to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who also has become unexpectedly pregnant. Upon Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth is filled with joy, as her baby, John the Baptist, leaps for joy in her womb. At this, Elizabeth exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Lk 1:42-43, 45)

If you were praised like this, how would you respond? Would you smile and say thank you? Would you agree? Would you tell the person to keep praising you, feeling warm and fuzzy inside?

Mary responds by in turn praising God for his goodness to her. In an extremely humble act, Mary gives glory to God for the love and praise she herself is being shown. Mary truly has embraced the meaning of being “poor in spirit”.

How do we respond to praises and thanksgivings, privileges and honor that we receive from others? I know I love to hear my name said, and love to be recognized. It’s something that I struggle with daily. But I pray that our Blessed Mother might guide me in her direction. Do you struggle with that, too??