In this workshop, we will make a step forward in our path of giving, especially grabbed from Mary´s hands. We will go through the itinerary of her life, that we have learned about through the Gospel and the Holy Scriptures. She will show us the shortcuts and the paths that conduct us faster and more efficiently to the Heart of her Divine Son. Because of Her, we dare face the challenge that our giving implies: trust and let Him be the one who makes everything in us.

This workshop consists of 30 meetings.

Meeting 4

Way to Hebron, the Magnificat

Luke 1: 39-45, 46-49
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness!”

Let's meditate: 

The Gospel passage tells us Mary left in haste for Judea after the Annunciation. She knew that her cousin Elizabeth was going to become a mother and she wanted to accompany her. Her surprise must have been great, since Elizabeth received her as the Mother of the Savior. Upon this divine revelation of what God had done in her, she expressed herself largely. The Magnificat is a song of praise at the style of Israel and hails the wonders that God wanted to do through her, her humble servant. That is why she rejoices and expresses all her happiness to Elizabeth.

Let's contemplate Mary answering Elizabeth:

Mary receives a greeting of admiration and joy from Elizabeth.
She doesn´t give any explanations, she just sings full of love and gratitude.
Mary raises her gaze to God, making herself small.
She recognizes that she will be called blessed for what God has done for her

Questions for a better understanding:

Saint Luke tells us Mary left with haste, that means she didn´t hesitate. How frequently am I able to answer thus to God´s callings?
Mary must have kept her secret jealously until she was in Elizabeth´s presence, and only then could she exclaim her joy. Have I ever wondered how Mary could live such great things in silence?
We see Mary again in an attitude of a servant. Do I recognize that lowering and humbling oneself is always an attitude of humility?