"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people." - Luke 1:68
If you read Mary's Magnificat and Zechariah's Canticle independently, you're missing out on something really beautiful. These paralleled journeys display God's grace and mercy and teach us all that His plan is good and can be trusted, even when we make a misstep while playing our part in it. And, praise God that we DO get to play a part in it, just like these two holy people.
Their songs reflect a reversal of sadness for Israel and as we approach one of the most joyful days of the year, I think there's no better time for a reversal of sadness for us. It's time to rediscover God's goodness and sing our own canticle. But Zechariah and Mary's praises weren't self-centered, they were for all of God's people. So who in your life needs joy? Who is sitting in darkness? Who needs to hear that a King has come? Invite that person to church tonight or tomorrow morning. They might not know the mass parts, but they'll know the songs and it might just put a new song within them.
Who in your life needs to know or be reminded of the love and joy of Christ?
Father, thank You for Mary and Zechariah's praises. May our lives be songs of praise that lead others closer to Christ.
Reflection by:
Abby Watts
Did You Know...
Abby Watts was a member of the team at Spirit FM 90.5, the radio ministry of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, for 15 years. She is now "helping moms love well" as the Content Manager for iMom, a program of Family First. She and her family are active members of Nativity Parish in Brandon.
