Mary’s Role

Today’s Gospel Text:  And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.  54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever."  56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. Luke 1:46-56

Reflection: “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Cor 12:3

The Magnificat of Mary is part of Scripture; they are Mary’s words of exultation filled with the Holy Spirit in honor of her Lord and God. Mary filled with the Holy Spirit bursts forth in praise unto her God.

Therefore each word has value and one can’t be selective in either accepting a part of it or rejecting them. 

One of the truths that it brings forth is the special place Mary will enjoy in the life of the believing Church; “…. henceforth all generations will call me blessed.” (vs. 48b) 

No church can be called a true church if they don’t proclaim the blessedness of Mary and her special place and role in the living church of God.

The one holy Catholic and apostolic church has done exactly that, even to this generation. Thus Catholics hold Mary in high esteem and recognize and experience her blessed role in their salvation.

Anyone’s questioning of this salvific role of Mary is an attempt at trying to usurp her role and special place and this can be compared to Satan’s attempt at seeking to crush the woman with the child, in the book of Revelation. (Rev. 12)

Similarly, any generation that does not acknowledge the blessedness of Mary and honors not her prime place in the salvific mission of Christ, is not attuned to the sacred word of God and can be considered as self-conceited and puffed up.

If one does not acknowledge her present continued role in the church then at least let them follow diligently what the magnificat of Mary teaches us in order to be saved.   The message is profound and is indeed for all generations to come.

Prayer: Lord, give us a humble spirit and a contrite heart, so that we may accept your word spoken through Mary you daughter and find Salvation through her word and mediation.

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