Last night, at evening prayer, if we were in a community, we would have chanted the Te Deum. This is a litany in which we exhort the love and mercy of God, while recalling God's faithfulness. In some ways this is similar to the Magnificat. But the ability to praise God for these marvelous gifts stems from a relationship that we must have with God. Thanksgiving and prayers thereof draws us closer to the one who has bestowed kindness upon us.
Mary readily and easily affirms God's call to her as she knows and understands the legacy of God's goodness to all peoples for many generations. She knows that our God is a faithful God. And now in this special role she becomes ever closer to God. Of course as a model of faith she challenges us ponder and reflect upon the wonders we have seen and heard. Yesterday in John's Gospel we were reminded that the Word made flesh is the light to the nations. But as John cautions us, that there are people who prefer the darkness over the light. All the more reason for us to live as models of faith.
Maybe because we have heard these stories so many times, we consider the Christmas stories to be like a school Christmas pageant. Remember, the gospels tell us that Mary was troubled, and Joseph had second thoughts about receiving Mary as his wife. But their faith and trust in God allowed them to carry through the call that they had received. The closer we come to God the more can can understand what God wants of us. Mary's faithfulness is a model and example of how to respond to God, to be sure, but also to the situations in the world around us. Everything is set up against the window of faith.
May our souls also proclaim the greatness of the Lord, for all the Lord has done for us.
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