Thursday 7 January 2016

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Feast

It is tempting for us to take complete credit when we receive praises for a task well done, or when we have accomplised something. After all, we worked hard and made much effort to ensure that the task was not only done properly, we also made sure that the task was completed according to the highest standards. But how many of us are humble and willing to also give credit to God for what we have done, instead of raking all the praises or admiration only to ourselves?

In today's Gospel, Elizabeth had plenty of praises for Mary, for it was Jesus in Mary's womb that caused Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary could have basked in the glory of listening to such praises from Elizabeth, but she did not do such a thing. Instead, she gave praise to God, saying: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid." Mary acknowledged that the glory belongs to God, not to herself.

What about us? Are we willing to learn from Mary's example and give glory to God for all we do? After all, the inspiration that we received to accomplish the task could be through God's help, and we should be grateful to God for His providence and bounty. May we never grow so proud that we can do without God, and like Mary, give God the greater glory.

No comments:

Post a Comment