Mary of the Magnificat

The theme of the Province Retreat was the Mary of the Magnificat, and reflections were offered on personal conversion, communal conversion and the overflow both have to the service of others. In Mary's simple way, she turns our attention to the God who is holy, who lifts up the lowly and deposes the mighty, feeds the hungry and sends the rich away empty. We cannot follow in her footsteps unless, like her, we are ready to empty ourselves, and give our undivided and un-retractable YES to God. We often think that this was an easy decision for Mary and that thereafter her life was sweet and creamy, but looking at her as a Jewish mother in first century Palestine, in addition to what the Gospels tell us, it was no easier for her than it would have been for one of us. Taxes were everywhere, and work for Joseph and Jesus was scarce. Not everyone could even pay. Losing Joseph to death and Jesus to his ministry, were some of the swords predicted by Simeon. Needless to say, the passion and death of Jesus were the ultimate causes of pain. So, when we say our Hail Mary's or our Memorare's Mary is very much aware of our desperation, our needs, and what the "hour of death" is. She also remembers that God has come to the help of his servant Israel, and keeps his promise of mercy. It is in this strength and hope that she gives us inspiration to keep our focus on God and our trust in him in both good times and bad.
Bro. Rene
PS. I may not be able to offer a slice of bread on Sunday because I will again be in an unfamiliar parish. Just a warning.