Magnify God, like Mary, as only you can

Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10

When St. John wrote about seeing the Ark I am sure the contemporary readers, some of who were at that point not believers, were astonished.  The Ark had been lost for some time at that point so a promise of it’s return must have been more than amazing.  Yet, as he writes on, he doesn’t describe the box laden with gold and angels as was described in the old books.  He describes a woman, clothed in light with the moon at her feet.  He doesn’t describe the word of God written on tablets, but describes a child, the Living Word of the Almighty.  (Because that’s what the Ark was, a vessel to carry the living word of the God.)  We believe the woman described in this passage is Mary, as she carried Jesus in her womb, and the crown she wears of twelve stars (twelve tribes) symbolizes her act as the crowning achievement of the tribes of Israel, which is to bring the Messiah (aka the Living Word) forth to the world.   

In our Gospel reading we are allowed to see how this looked in the earthly realm, which we as Catholics also call Mary’s Magnificat (Magnifcat=My soul magnifies [The Lord]).   

Luke 1:39-56

In the Gospel of Luke, Elizabeth and Mary both prophesy.  Elizabeth feels her child leap for joy through the power of the Holy Spirit.  “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” She also says, “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."  Mary knows she is right and very humbly replies, “ 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. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

We connect those two readings, I believe correctly, which is why we hold Mary as being the most blessed servant of the Lord.  Notice, my Protestant brothers and sisters, I did not say worship.  It was said that she would be called blessed by all generations, and we do.  Without her obedience and humility, there is no Gospel.  Without her belief that God would accomplish through her this mysterious work, there is no hope for us.  So, it’s in her obedience and faith we were given the hope of salvation.

There is a personal application here, as well, when we consider Mary today.  We are not all called to carry the Messiah to the world the way she did, but we ARE all called to carry Him to the world.  We may feel unworthy or incapable of the task.  Mary did for the Lord at age 12-14 years old, what only she could do.  No other could have done what she did, no other had the faith, she had all that was needed to accomplish this miracle.  Now, I want you to consider that, and realize that while we may not be THAT, there are things, places, people, and circumstances that ONLY WE can reach.  There are people out there that need YOU, specifically YOU and no one else might do.  You are called, you are needed, in a similar but unique to you way that Mary was.  Just like Mary, if you do not reply with a generous “YES” the story may well stop there. 

This is why we look to Mary, sometimes, to remind us, and be a picture of what obedience and faith can do.  Hers’ gave the hope of salvation to the world.  Yours may well give that to just a single person, but to God that person is the world.

Heavenly Father, let my obedience and faith be as Mary’s was when she accepted the task you laid before her, and may that magnify you, Oh my Lord.  In Jesus precious name, AMEN!

Here I am, Lord, send me!

 Lisa Brandel