Daily Reflections ...

Today is the Feast of the Assumption, where we celebrate that Mary, Mother of God, was assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life. This feast honours Mary and encourages us to reflect deeply on her witness of faith, humility and divine grace.

Mary’s ‘yes’ to the angel Gabriel is not passive acceptance but an active response to God’s invitation. Despite the uncertainties and the potential challenges she faced, Mary’s trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness enabled her to respond wholeheartedly.

In today’s scripture, we encounter Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, a moment that overflows with joy and divine recognition. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’ (Luke 1:42). These words reveal a profound recognition of divine grace and the fulfilment of God’s promises through Mary.

Mary responds with the Magnificat. Beginning with ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,’ these words flow directly from her initial ‘yes.’ Mary’s soul magnifies the Lord because she has made room in her life for God’s plan, trusting in God’s ways and allowing God’s presence to grow and be magnified through her. It is not just an expression of joy but also a profound demonstration of how her wholehearted acceptance of God’s plan has deeply changed and shaped her life.

Mary’s ‘yes’ is a model of faith and inspiration for us all. She witnesses to the importance of being open to God’s will and the joy that comes from trusting in God’s promises. It is a call for us to live our lives with the same openness and trust, knowing that God is faithful, and His promises are true.

by Lisa McKerr