Canticle of Mary – Luke 1:46-56 Reflection
The Canticle of Mary has inspired many to express their relationship with the Lord. She gives us a model of how to be grateful for what God provides, especially for children. As a father I know I made countless mistakes with my children (and others). However, with deep prayer, the Lord will give you the gift of magnifying awareness for future situations and helping reverse errors. God cares about each and every one of our own canticles. When we pray to God using the examples of Mary and Joseph, we will receive what we need to be transformed. Prayer is essential in any heart-wrenching situation, especially involving children. For instance, I asked Mary to pray with me at a busy intersection light. I will never forget it because I was overwhelmingly stunned at some people’s value of children. I witnessed a driver on a cell phone with children in the car take a left turn through a red light. Immediately following that, Mary was there when a woman pushed a baby carriage between the heavy traffic crossing the street without waiting for the pedestrian signal.
The Magnificat by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Luke 1:46-56 – Scripture*
Mary’s Song of Praise
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 1:46-56 Reflection – The Canticle of Mary.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 1 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.