The Magnificat
As we approach the celebrated day of the birth of Jesus, December 25, we have this beautiful passage from Mary, “The Magnificat” to contemplate.

“And Mary said:  ‘My soul exalts the Lord,
                              and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
                       
                              For He has regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
                              for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

                              For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
                              And holy is His name…’”

Holy cards often picture Mary with her hands folded, her dress a brilliant blue, and her head covered with a silky, white veil.  Everything is perfect around her.  (We know this image is to bring to our attention the recognition that Mary is considered next to Jesus, her son, as a perfect human being.  And that she is to be praised because of what God has done in, through, and with her.)

But in reality, Mary was seen by her family and friends just as a normal girl of the village, Anne and Joachim’s daughter.  She did her daily chores, enjoyed being with her family and friends, and didn’t seem any different from other young women in her community.

Mary, as a role model for each of us, was doing what God wanted of her.  She wanted to do her job the best she could – even in the face of obstacles that arose in her life.

Mary, as our guide on how to cooperate with God’s grace, laughed and played and worked according to the needs of her faith and her community.  She said “yes” to being the mother of Jesus not knowing what all that would mean.  But she did her best.

Mary teaches each of us that the most important thing we can do is to do what we understand God wishes of us – at home, at work, and in the community.  We serve others and God within them as best we can…according to our God-given abilities.

What if what we do doesn’t work out right?  What if we make mistakes?  What if what we did wasn’t perfect?  The greatest consolation we can have is that after praying about issues and situations and seeking input from others, that we choose a path that we believe is our duty, our obligation, what God wants – we have done the right thing in God’s eyes.  That’s all that matters.  We will learn from our frailties, our mistakes and do better next time.

Mary, during this Advent season, continue to guide us to see what is the right thing to do; give us the courage to do it; and let us rejoice in the coming of your Son among us.  Let us forgive others and ourselves when things are not perfect.  Let us be reminded that this is the time to celebrate God’s presence among us.  Guide us to celebrate Him in our lives as you celebrated Him in yours.  Amen.