Today’s gospel is the profound prayer known as the Magnificat.  It also known as the Canticle of Mary, part of the Liturgy of the Hours. It is Mary’s song of joy shared with Elizabeth. Clearly she was elated about the child growing within her.

Although she must have been anxious about the future before her, Mary had said a firm and trusting yes to her God. By doing so she made it possible for all of us to be redeemed. Mary embraced God’s plan for her thus giving us a remarkable example of the opportunity we each have to embrace God’s plan for us.

Mary rejoiced in all the wonders done by God in her and all of humanity, past present and future. Her love of God overflowed into this beautiful hymn of praise. We can imagine the face of a young teen glowing with a heavenly joy as she speaks these words to Elizabeth who understands that her own son is to announce the coming of the savior that Mary bears. 

We have had four weeks to prepare to receive Jesus on Christmas into our hearts and souls with renewed joy and commitment to God’s plan for us. Let us say a firm and trusting yes just as Mary did.