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Mary’s song of praise: the Magnificat.

REFLECTION

Leap of Hope is the theme for today’s reflection. A leap of hope or faith is having the assurance and belief that something expected will happen. Mary’s song of praise to God gives her the hope and assurance that God has brought honour and exaltation to her and Israel through Jesus Christ.

Who was Mary? Mary was not a prominent lady, nor was she from any special royal family, yet the Lord brought her honour and hope by choosing her to conceive and give birth to the Saviour of the world.

The coming of Christ gives a leap of hope to the humble in Spirit, such as Mary. The history of salvation and the essence of Christmas reveal to us that God identifies and looks upon the humble estate of His faithful servants. Through Christ, God exalts and shows mercy to the humble. Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.”(Luke 1:46-52) My dear friend, how humble are you in your relationship with God and with your fellow human beings? Having faith and taking a leap of hope in God is an act of humility, regardless of one’s background or social class. Mary again reminds us that “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. (Luke 1:52-53) In other words, irrespective of who we are and what we have achieved, we shall continue to experience the glory of God and to be sustained if we remain humbled. However, when we allow pride to rule our hearts, we shall no longer experience the glory of God and will be left empty. The good things may not only be material possessions but may also be spiritual blessings. Let us be humble by treating others with love, respect and dignity, even as God also take care of our needs. Above all, let us show humility and a leap of hope in our coming Saviour by making Him the centre and focus of our lives. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, may we continually celebrate our salvation in total humility and with leaps of hope in the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)

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