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Reflection for Sunday 08/15/10

READINGS
First Reading: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

REFLECTION:
Elizabeth greeted her cousin Mary with great joy, “How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Inspired by the Holy Spirit she understood that Mary was soon to give birth to the long-awaited Messiah. In response Mary proclaimed what we now call the “Magnificat”. She began by thanking God who “has done great things for me.” Then she mentioned many ways in which God has protected the lowly and the weak in Israel, in keeping with his “promise of mercy” to Abraham and his descendents. Mary and Elizabeth’s sense of joy is so appropriate as they look back on God’s faithfulness to his people and forward to the arrival of the Messiah. They clearly trusted that God would always be with them even in the most difficult of times. We, too, have much to rejoice about, but somehow we often get caught up in guilt and fear. Perhaps we can reflect a bit more on Mary who was young and unwed and yet was able to surrender in faith to the goodness of God and lived in joyful confidence that his goodness and mercy would prevail.
1. What do you trust that God will do for you?
2. How does God act on behalf of the world’s lowly? Through whom does God act?

PRAYER:
Awaken in me, Lord, joy in the Holy Spirit. Let my faith in you grow so that I live joyfully, confident in your loving mercy and care. Amen