Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

— 46 And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’ And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home.

In today’s gospel, we hear Mary’s song, the Magnificat, a hymn that overflows with joy, trust and the deep awareness of God’s faithfulness. Mary voices the joy and love stirring within her with the prayer, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” This is no ordinary prayer. It begins with the joy at what God has done for her and expands outward into a vision for all humanity. In this tender yet powerful proclamation, Mary reveals the mercy and faithfulness of a God who sees, remembers, and lifts up the lowly.

Mary, a young woman, poor and unknown in the eyes of the world, carries the promise of salvation within her. And she rejoices. Not because she understands everything, but because she trusts the one who is faithful. Her ‘yes’ to God is wholehearted and bold. It is not a passive ‘yes’ but an active, courageous surrender to something greater than herself. Mary does not fully understand what lies ahead, but she knows and leans on the one who guides her.

The Magnificat invites us to see God in the ordinary, in mercy, and in humility. Mary dares to imagine a world where injustice is overturned, the forgotten are lifted up, and God’s promises are fulfilled. She sings of a God who does not overlook the small or struggling but enters their lives with transforming love.

Mary sings not just for herself but for all of us: the poor, the weary, the waiting, and all who long for God’s justice. Her voice calls each of us to trust, rejoice, and believe that even in our smallness, God can do great things.

May we take Mary’s song as our own. May our souls magnify the Lord. May we become people of hope, humility, and mercy. And may we, like Mary, dare to believe that God is with us, is for us, and is still bringing light into the darkness.