My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season:  Fourth Week : Monday*

*Gospel :  Luke 1:46-56*

*First Reading : I Sam 1:24-28*

*Responsorial Psalm : I Sam 2:1-8*

*My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”*

*1) Why does Mary say these words?*

Mary speaks these words as a response to God’s action in her life.

She has just received an extraordinary calling: to be the mother of the Savior.

She recognizes that this is not her achievement, but God’s grace.

Her first reaction is not fear or pride, but praise and joy.

Mary is not celebrating herself; she is turning attention entirely to God. Her words flow from gratitude, humility, and faith.

*2) How to understand the phrase*

*A) “My soul glorifies the Lord”*

The soul represents the depth of her whole being. 

To “glorify” means to acknowledge God’s greatness.

Mary is saying that her entire life points toward God, not herself.

This shows worship that is internal, not just spoken words.

*B) “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior”*

Rejoicing comes from deep joy, not temporary happiness.

Mary calls God “my Savior”, acknowledging her own need for salvation.

Even though she is chosen, she remains humble and dependent on God.

This joy comes from trust in who God is, not from having everything figured out.

*3) What does this reveal about Mary?*

*Humility*: She knows she is chosen by grace, not merit.

*Faith*: She trusts God even though the future is uncertain.

*Joy rooted in God*: Her joy is spiritual, not based on comfort or status.

*Surrender*: She allows God to work through her life completely.

Mary becomes a model of what it means to respond faithfully to God.

*4) Relevance in the present-day context*

Even today, this phrase speaks powerfully:

*A) In a world focused on self-promotion* : Mary’s words remind us to glorify God, not ourselves. In a culture of recognition and achievement, her attitude teaches humility.

*B) In times of uncertainty* : Mary rejoices before she knows how everything will turn out. This teaches us to trust God even when life is unclear or difficult.

*C) In a restless and anxious society* : True joy, as Mary shows, does not come from success or comfort but from a relationship with God.

*D) In social injustice and suffering* : The Magnificat continues by speaking of God lifting the lowly and filling the hungry. Mary’s praise is also a hope-filled declaration that God stands with the poor and the powerless.

*5) Points to Ponder* 

Do I glorify God with my whole life, or only with words?

Where do I seek my joy—in achievements, approval, or in God?

Can I trust God’s plan even when I don’t fully understand it?

How can my life, like Mary’s, become a response of gratitude?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*