We find today that the Gospel and the Second Reading from the Office of Readings (in the Liturgy of the Hours) is bringing our attention to the Magnificat. During the month of December, we have numerous opportunities to reflect on Our Lady Most Holy and Lady of Consolation. The Magnificat Mary sings shows us a taste of what it looks like to be in conformity to the will of God. How greatly consoled she was by the indwelling of the Spirit in her. The Spirit filled her and saturated her heart with Divine Love. And immediately she went to her cousin.
Venerable Bede’s commentary of the Magnificat in the Office of Readings shares deeper insights on Mary from the Gospel of Luke. Venerable Bede proposes Mary’s interior prayer to be, “the depths of love in my heart can scarcely grasp it [to bear the son of God]. I offer then all the powers of my soul in praise and thanksgiving. As I contemplate his greatness, which knows no limits, I joyfully surrender my whole life, my senses, my judgment, for my spirit rejoices in the eternal Godhead of that Jesus, that Savior, whom I have conceived in this world of time.” Can you imagine Mary having such prayerful reflection on her journey to Elizabeth and then uttering the Magnificat before her cousin? Upon Elizabeth saying, “what was spoken by the Lord [of Gabriel] would be fulfilled” Mary bursts out with pious zeal. Her consolation is lifted up on high.
Extol His Name
Mary’s invitation to us according to Bede, “Join with me in proclaiming the greatness of the Lord; let us extol his name together.”
What does this mean for us? Suppose we ask God today for the grace to be intimately fastened in His heart and have the ability to do and be conformed to His will. Perhaps we might not experience consolation physically, but the promise of Heavenly Inheritance remains as our foundation. We pray, Mary of Hope and Consolation, be at our aid. Pray with us and for us. Grant us the grace to imitate you, to be speechless by the grandeur and love that the Father has for His children. Mary, you were chosen and closely united to the Father by receiving Gabriel announcement. You pondered what this might mean for your life, yet you praised God boldly through your Magnificat. May we obtain the grace to be flattered by the promptings of our Lord and experience the consolation and desires that He has planned for us. It is our hope to have radical cheer and joy at whatever the Lord reveals and puts before us. Although sometimes hard for us lowly humans, may we be reminded of your consolation and the promises God offers to those with faith. Lord, do as you will for, we are totally yours.
