Mary and Her Magnificat
By Fr. Chris Kaamiño SSC
When I was ordained a Columban missionary priest at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Ozamiz, my mom surprised me by singing the Magnificat in acapella style. I was moved by it and that memory had remained with me ever since, reminding me always to look to Mary, as model and guide of how to become a disciple.
Mary’s song – the magnificat – is a song filled with hope and joy. A song of hope rooted on God’s promise. A song of joy that is rooted on having the privilege to take active part in the fulfillment of that promise.
Human beings tend to dream only for themselves and for our family. Mary, on the other hand, expanded hers, and included God’s dream for the world. With the support of Joseph, Mary allowed God to disturb her plans. In Mary, God found a willing partner. With Mary’s generous “Yes” to God’s invitation, His promise was slowly fulfilled.
What gives us hope? The unfortunate fact, is that our present reality gives us more reason to despair instead of hope. Considering the host of critical problems out there including the climate crisis, corruption, greed, indifference, injustice, exploitation, disinformation, high inflation, violence and wars, it is natural to feel hopeless and powerless in the face of them.
Like us, Mary saw the problems of her time. But she also appreciated the good deeds that the Lord has already done. May we also see and give support to the positive developments being done by people of goodwill.
When Mary was born, there was not much reason to hope for in the world. But somewhere in the world, God planted a seed of hope for humanity. This seed were well taken care of by Mary’s parents, Saints Joachim and Ann. This seed blossomed and grew, and eventually gifted the world a savior.
Mary took her role as a mother of our savior with humility, generosity and trust. Wherever we are and whatever our role is in this world, may we still find inspiration in Mary who serve generously and who actively took part in the fulfillment of God’s dream for the world.