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In just three days we will celebrate Christmas! Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about the things you have left to do? If so, please take a few minutes and join with me to ponder Mary’s Magnificat. Hopefully, this short reflection will offer both of us a brief respite and the wisdom to discern the most important things in life - before and after Christmas. It’s helpful to realize that the Twelve Days after Christmas actually gives us time to finish sending out those Christmas cards, bake a few more cookies [if we want], and enjoy the season more fully! Today, let’s ponder what Mary taught us with regard to giving glory to her Son in all the right ways this Christmas! Today’s Gospel reading is from Luke 1:46-56. Read the following verses and then come back to reflect on the questions. Enjoy this reflection.
46 “My soul glorifies the Lord…” Q: Mary tells Elizabeth that her soul glorifies the Lord. What does she mean? How does Mary glorify the Lord? Does your soul glorify the Lord? Explain.
47 “And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” Q: How does Mary’s spirit rejoice in God? Define Savior. Who is your Savior? Does your spirit rejoice in God? How do you rejoice in God? Is there a difference between our soul and our spirit?
48 “For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.” Q: How does Mary display her genuine humility? What is humility? Why is humility necessary for holiness? What vice opposes humility?
49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.” Q: What great things did the Mighty One do for Mary? What great things does the Mighty One do for you?
50 “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Q: What is Fear of the Lord? How do we put on Fear of the Lord? Why is it a virtue? Why is fear of the Lord necessary in order to receive God’s Mercy? How have you experienced God’s Mercy?
51 “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.” Q: What does Mary mean when she says that God performs mighty deeds with his arm? Who does God scatter? How does He scatter? Why is pride a stumbling block to faith? What virtue does Pride oppose and effectively up-root?
52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” Q: Obviously, Mary loves God and is well-schooled in the Torah. How well do you know God and His ways? Where/how do you learn about God?
53 “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” Q: What does this verse mean? Does God continue to fill the hungry with good things? Who are the hungry? St. Augustine taught that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. How does that apply to you and me and Mary?
54 “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Q: Does this verse still apply today? Explain in your own words.
56 “Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.” Q: Why do you think she stayed this long? Where did she go when she left Elizabeth?
May your Christmas be Merry and Blessed! And may God grant you a Happy New Year. Linda Kracht
Linda Kracht lives in St Paul MN with her husband, Dave. Linda is the founder of Fortifying Families of Faith whose mission is to support, fortify and advocate for parents as they ‘parent against the tide.’
Fortifying Families of Faith fully acknowledges that society comes from families and will only be as strong as the average family. Therefore, it is crucial that society recognizes the importance of the autonomous family. Linda advocates for parent-directed formation of children specifically in three areas: Faith, Morality & Sex Education no matter where they are enrolled academically.
Linda is the author of multiple publications including her current best seller: Journaling with Sunday Scriptures: A Book for All Seasons. Other publications include; Daughters and Sons Forever. Mothers Forever, Fathers Forever; Black and White; Surviving College; and the Art of Breastfeeding. Linda has also written many articles on a wide variety of topics for parents to support them in their role as lay priest prophet and king of their christian families. Linda’s experience with parenting her own seven children forged her dedication to writing and teaching about matters that pertain to marriage and family life. For more information about Linda, Fortifying Families of Faith, her articles, online materials, and parent programs please visit
www.fortifyingfamiliesoffaith.com.
