Monday, December 22, 2014



Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

(I Samuel 1:24-28; Luke 1:46-56)

One of Mary’s titles is “Queen of Apostles.”  She sits among Jesus’ most intimate followers at the Pentecost event, but there is a more cogent reason for naming her their queen.  Mary is the first to preach the good news as an apostle. She responds to the word of the angel that her relative Elizabeth was pregnant by going forth to the expectant mother.  There Mary deflects Elizabeth’s salutation, “Blessed are you among women…,” with a homiletic tribute to God’s glory.

Mary proclaims the greatness of God because He has not only done great things for her but also “has cast down the mighty from their thrones.”  It is evident that God has chosen her to be the mother of His Son, but as yet the mighty still sit comfortably while the hungry scrounge.  What gives?  Only this: Mary foretells the imminent reversal of these fortunes with the coming of her son.

Mary presents for us an example to follow.  She does not draw attention to her own achievements but concedes any greatness she possesses to God.  More importantly, she leaves her comfort zone to enjoin others in anticipating the coming of the Son of God.

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