Readings: Friday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB 

Today’s Gospel reading is Mary’s prayer (the “Magnificat”) proclaimed in response to Elizabeth’s prophetic exclamation, “How is it that the mother of my Lord has come to me?” In her prayer, Mary rejoices in God and in what he is about in the child she carries in her womb. 

When she rejoices that “[God] has looked upon his lowly servant,” she speaks for herself, she speaks for the children of Abraham, small and lowly among the nations, and she speaks for all of us, so lowly in our finitude, our vulnerability, and our waywardness. In her son, God has done great things for Mary, for the children of Abraham, for all of us.   

As we approach the celebration of Christmas, we make Mary’s prayer our own. We marvel at God’s mercy shown us in Christ’s incarnation—and in his death and resurrection. Indeed, God has visited and redeemed his people and opened for us the way to a new and eternal life. 

Our hope is not in being securely, comfortably, or admirably situated in this age. For we remember that the form of this age is passing. Our hope is in new life and in a new heaven and a new earth, in which God’s righteousness dwells.  

Please, God, free me from worldly priorities and preoccupations, so often shallow, self-centered, or even self-indulgent and heedless. Let me, rather, imitate the son of Mary and humble myself for love of the unlovely.  

God, count me not among the proud who are scattered, nor among the mighty who are cast down, nor among the rich who are sent away empty. Rather count me among those who fear you and experience your mercy; find me associating with the lowly you lift up and among the hungry you fill with good things. 

Dr. Peter Distelzweig, Professor in Philosophy 

The Campus Ministry Seasonal Reflections are offered during the liturgical seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter. We bring a variety of voices from Students, Faculty and Staff. The perspectives expressed in these reflections are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Campus Ministry.