Most Bible scholars reckon that Mary was in her teenage years when she uttered her Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55). Catholic tradition holds that Mary was presented in the Temple at a young age and was raised by holy guardians who reared her and taught her the Scriptures. The feast of the Presentation of Mary on November 21, the patronal feast of Presentation Ministries, preserves and celebrates this tradition.
Mary heard the word of God and kept it, that is, obeyed it (Lk 8:21). Mary conceived the Word of God (Jn 1:1, 14) in her womb and kept It, that is, guarded Jesus. Mary treasured the Word of God and kept it, that is, contemplated it (Lk 2:19).
Mary's Magnificat flowed from the center of her "being" (Lk 1:46). Her words in the Magnificat are a constant quotation of Scripture. While carrying the Word of God in her womb, she also carried the Word of God in her heart and soul, and that Word poured forth readily from her in the words of her Magnificat. Though a teenager, she had spent a lifetime in God's Word, and so she spoke from the abundance of her heart (Lk 6:45), and what was in her heart was the Word of God.
During these final days of Advent, let us prepare for the Christmas coming of Jesus, the Word of God, as Mary did: by immersing ourselves in Scripture. Devour God's Word (Jer 15:16) to prepare to meet the incarnate Word this Christmas.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I desire Your Word more than Christmas presents (see Ps 119:72). |
| PROMISE: | "His mercy is from age to age on those who fear Him." –Lk 1:50 |
| PRAISE: | "O King of all the nations, the only Joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature You fashioned from the dust." |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College