December 22, 2016
LK 1:46-56
The Gospel reading for December 22 is from the first Chapter of the Gospel of Luke. In this Gospel, Mary is
saying what is known as the Magnificat. The word “Magnificat” translates to praise. Mary is proclaiming her joy to
the Lord because she is carrying the Son of God in her womb. Mary describes all of God’s wondrous qualities. He
is mighty, strong, and merciful. He has “cast down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly”. All of
these qualities which Mary praises in her Magnifcat really exemplifies her values and morals and what is of
importance to her. This prayer can really help us as Catholics to focus on what matters to us, and what we truly
should be focusing on this Christmas season. We should not be concerned with presents, parties, and other things
which take up our time. We should instead focus on the miracle that is the Birth of Jesus, as He is the reason for
the season.