God’s unique
intervention in Mary’s life radically changed the whole direction of her
personal history and challenged her to give up every preconceived notion of
virtue and righteousness. Nevertheless,
Mary still had to live out the full course of her appointed time on earth in an
(externally speaking) most ordinary manner.
And yet within, in the
interior chamber of her prayer and in her keen awareness of God’s intense
presence in her being, she was one unceasing act of gratitude, praise and joy;
in her own words: "My spirit rejoices in God my
Savior, for he has looked upon his servant in her nothingness. Henceforth all generations will call me
blessed." These words of her Magnificat mark the most significant turning-point
in the human race’s understanding of itself.
Small, hidden, humble Mary turned the course of world history and man’s self-understanding
on its head.
Reflection by Father Simeon.
