Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 6
MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Luke 1: 47-55: The Canticle of Mary: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him..." (Luke 1: 47-55). [Please read Luke 1: 46-55 for a better appreciation of the passage].
Read the Reflection; then pray using Luke 1: 47-55: you can repeat the Canticle several times, tasting and relishing its profound depths; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233).
1. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior: Mary's response to Elizabeth's greeting and welcome is captured eloquently in her canticle, known as the Magnificat. Her response gives us an intimate glimpse into the inner recesses of her soul. Mary is overwhelmed with God's amazing love for humans, and the extent to which He will go in His love for us. Consequently, Mary is filled with gratitude as she rejoices in God her savior. Her spirit is immersed in the love and sacrifice that God is making on our behalf through His Son, Jesus, who is now her son and Savior!
2. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed: In Luke 1:48, Mary is addressed as favored one! Kecharitomene is the Greek word, and it is used as a perfect passive participle. Literally, it would be translated as having been or have already been graced! In other words, from the very beginning of Mary's creation in her mother's womb, she was with grace, or without sin! She has two responses to this amazing truth made possible in her by the Holy Spirit: she is filled with humility as she is in awe at God's choice of her to be the mother of His Son! She is indeed blessed among women and for all ages, as we pray in the Hail Mary.
3. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him: Mary extols God's mercy which is offering us the gift of His own divine life out of pure graciousness on His part! And Jesus is God's mercy incarnate that Mary carries in her womb.
The Gift of life, I pondered that Gift of life in a different way this morning. I seen the youthful Mary, full of grace proclaiming the goodness of God. Then I witnessed Mary, enduring the pain of her Son being crucified and still having these words in her heart. Why my minds goes there I do not know, I do know that we are equally yoked and there is purpose. Mary even in the most bleakest moment of her life was still filled with the Gift of life. She endures this pain knowing how great God is and there is purpose in it. The trials we face in life are there for a purpose. Like Mary, being in covenant union with God, proclaim the goodness of God as you walk thru life. Mary with life experiences still lived her faith, still proclaimed the goodness of God. Her faith had a maturity that has been shored up with life experiences and she lives the Gift of life.
What is God saying to you? Trust in My will, what you do not see is tomorrow. This is not your home, you belong with Me in Heaven with My Holy Family as My child.
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Luke 1: 47-55: The Canticle of Mary: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him..." (Luke 1: 47-55). [Please read Luke 1: 46-55 for a better appreciation of the passage].
Read the Reflection; then pray using Luke 1: 47-55: you can repeat the Canticle several times, tasting and relishing its profound depths; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233).
1. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior: Mary's response to Elizabeth's greeting and welcome is captured eloquently in her canticle, known as the Magnificat. Her response gives us an intimate glimpse into the inner recesses of her soul. Mary is overwhelmed with God's amazing love for humans, and the extent to which He will go in His love for us. Consequently, Mary is filled with gratitude as she rejoices in God her savior. Her spirit is immersed in the love and sacrifice that God is making on our behalf through His Son, Jesus, who is now her son and Savior!
2. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed: In Luke 1:48, Mary is addressed as favored one! Kecharitomene is the Greek word, and it is used as a perfect passive participle. Literally, it would be translated as having been or have already been graced! In other words, from the very beginning of Mary's creation in her mother's womb, she was with grace, or without sin! She has two responses to this amazing truth made possible in her by the Holy Spirit: she is filled with humility as she is in awe at God's choice of her to be the mother of His Son! She is indeed blessed among women and for all ages, as we pray in the Hail Mary.
3. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him: Mary extols God's mercy which is offering us the gift of His own divine life out of pure graciousness on His part! And Jesus is God's mercy incarnate that Mary carries in her womb.
The Gift of life, I pondered that Gift of life in a different way this morning. I seen the youthful Mary, full of grace proclaiming the goodness of God. Then I witnessed Mary, enduring the pain of her Son being crucified and still having these words in her heart. Why my minds goes there I do not know, I do know that we are equally yoked and there is purpose. Mary even in the most bleakest moment of her life was still filled with the Gift of life. She endures this pain knowing how great God is and there is purpose in it. The trials we face in life are there for a purpose. Like Mary, being in covenant union with God, proclaim the goodness of God as you walk thru life. Mary with life experiences still lived her faith, still proclaimed the goodness of God. Her faith had a maturity that has been shored up with life experiences and she lives the Gift of life.
What is God saying to you? Trust in My will, what you do not see is tomorrow. This is not your home, you belong with Me in Heaven with My Holy Family as My child.
Dear Father, I thank You for the Gift of life, for an intellect that is active and doesn't get bogged down with the fog of this world. Thank You for these pictures this morning and for the purpose that is yet to be revealed. I know You are working all things out. Prayers for a friend facing hardships, You know what is needed for newness of life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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