We are in the 4th week of Advent, a season of Joy, Peace and Hope. In this week, the final purple candle is lit to remind us of prayer and penance in preparation for Christmas. We look forward to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus with Peace on Earth towards people of good will and in great anticipation.

In today’s Gospel proclamation we read the Magnificat. It reveals the heart of Mother Mary towards God. Her soul and spirit magnifies the Lord, she exalts God in praise and thanksgiving. Let us also if pos-sible take this moment to lift a thanksgiving prayer to God for what He has done for us and all that He is going to do for us. A striking characteristic of the Blessed Mother was her humility and reverential fear of God. In verse 48 she proclaims, God has looked with favour on those bowed down, echoing Hannah’s song over Samuel’s birth as given in the first reading. God is also praised for the salvation of the lowly and oppressed. Similar words are later spoken by Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, when He preached “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3).

One of the Blessed Mother’s greatest attributes was her generous and absolute “Yes” to God. Here was a humble young girl, who had her whole life laid out in front of her, suddenly disrupted by the plan and will of God. It would have been easier for her to say ‘No’ for at the time it looked she had much to lose. Even though she did n’ know where the journey was going to take her or the price she would have to pay, against all odds, she gave her “YES” to God.

In preparation for Christmas I wish to examine my heart once again. Have I truly given my all to God? Are there places I have not fully surrendered or being generous with God? Have I given my absolute ‘Yes’ to God? I know most times I cannot but, yet He can through me, for He is the author and perfector of my faith. The One who has promised is eternally faithful and He is my Lord.

Prayer: Abba Father, help me to be more like Mother Mary. Help me give my ‘Yes’ to You, not my will, but yours be done.’ Amen