She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God. Revelation 12:5-6
Blessed are you who believed. Luke 1:45
Piety
The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers. Luke 1:53-55
Study
Jesus was not looking for anyone to worship him. He was looking for people who would listen to him and who would believe with the faith of their heart and soul. Such faith is not limited to just internal expression. Such faith cries out to be acted upon in the example that Mary set for us in her life.
If we did not already have Mary, God would have had to create her. Without Mary, there is no Jesus. Mary is love. Mary is example. Mary is inspiration. Mary is the light that does not just point the way…Mary is the light that leads the way. More than any of the prophets, Mary combined piety and action to become the first one who “believed” in a new way.
What did her life of faith-in-action get Mary beyond a front row view of her son’s execution? Mary’s belief-in-action got her a special place prepared by God. This was not Elizabeth providing hospitality for Mary before her visit to a town in Judah. That hospitality was being performed by the Lord himself.
First, the Lord prepared Mary as the first place for His son to dwell within her physical body. But that’s not all.
Then, the Lord prepared a meaningful place in Bethlehem where Mary could deliver her son into the world.
Then the Lord prepared a place where Mary and her Holy Family could be safe from the ravages of Herod.
Then the Lord prepared a place where Mary and her family could return to live among friends.
Then the Lord prepared a place in Cana where Mary could prompt her Son to begin the public signs that would mark his ministry. Is it any wonder that setting was at a place that was a celebration of love?
We could go on and contemplate every place that the Lord prepared for Mary up until her Assumption and coronation. Why did the Lord work so hard to serve this servant? The Lord prepared a place for Mary because she heard the word of God and observed it in her daily life and in her “yes.” Mary understood all of this.
As we listen and contemplate the amazing words of the Magnificat today, listen to her sing of the hospitality of the Lord! The Mighty One has indeed done great things for her and the precious infant in her womb. “The hungry he has filled with great things.”
Action
How does your household get ready for a special visitor? If the guest is staying the night, do you prepare the guest bedroom so they will be warm and comfortable? If the guest will be joining you for a meal, what special dinner might be prepared (especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas and Easter)? You prepare a special place and special experience so their visit is happy and memorable.
Elizabeth prepared a special place when Mary visited her in Judah. Martha prepared a special place for Jesus on his visit to Bethany.
Carry on the tradition. Who can you prepare a special place for today? How can you extend “holy hospitality” to a special guest?
How can you give thanks for the special place the Lord has prepared and provided to you?
