Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, honoring the day our Blessed Mother was taken into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life.  The Gospel today, Luke 1:39-56 recounts Mary’s visit to Elizabeth (vv 39-45), and Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting, her Magnificat (vv 46-55).  

As I listened to the gospel being read at Mass this morning, I found myself marveling at Mary’s magnanimity.  Here was a young woman, pregnant, who had just walked or rode a donkey nearly a hundred miles over several days, weary and probably hungry, and her humility still allowed her to express her joy and gratitude to God for the special gift she’d been given.  Hers was the greatest gift that God could possibly give, the honor, but tremendous responsibility, of bearing His only Son.  I wondered why we have difficulty recognizing and being grateful for the amazing gifts God gives to us, and being magnanimous in expressing that gratitude to others.

Mary begins her Canticle saying, “My soul magnifies the greatness of the Lord” (v46).  How often do we proclaim the greatness of the Lord?

She continues,“My spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (v47).  Would a casual observer say that our spirit is rejoicing in God our savior?

“He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.” (v48).  Do we realize that we are blessed to be His beloved in spite of our brokenness?

“The Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.” (v49)  Do we give credit to God for all the good things he has done for us in our lives?

“His mercy is from age to age to those who fear Him.”  (v50).  Do we love God enough to turn to Him in reconciliation and let His mercy flow over us, absolving us of our sins?

Because of her humility, God chose Mary to be the one to bring Jesus to us, you and me.  It’s her role, too, to bring us to Jesus.  Being the loving Mother that she is, she’s giving us an example of how we should live our lives, to be magnanimous like her.

Think about it and resolve to grow in this virtue. Not only will you grow in holiness, but it can be a simple and effective way to evangelize others by letting them experience your joy.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, whom you gifted to us through Your beloved Mary.  Help us to emulate her humility by being grateful for all the wonderful gifts you give us each day even though we do not deserve them, especially the gift of the Holy Eucharist.  We are not worthy to have You enter under our roof, yet you give us Yourself in that Blessed Sacrament.  Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for us!  Amen.”

(Be Magnanimous Like Mary was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

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