On the Feast of the Assumption, Stop to Ask How Mary Kept Faith in Tough Times
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47).
Liturgical music–singing and playing guitar–is an enormous part of my life. It is how I “proclaim” and “rejoice.”
When the pandemic hit, my ministry abruptly vanished. Fear and depression entered in. I have been there before.
The first line of the Magnificat that I had always loved filled me with sadness. Easy to sing praises amidst heavenly messages from angels and two miraculous pregnancies.
But on this Feast of the Assumption, I wonder how could Mary praise God during the dark times–fleeing a murderous king, searching for a missing child, witnessing the torture and murder of her son?
The second stanza may hold the answer. “The Almighty has done great things for me.” (Luke 1:49).
Recalling with gratitude how God carried me through other difficult times, often to wonders unimagined, gave me hope and strength and to weather the dark days of last year.
Perhaps Mary Frances Clarke also recalled God’s blessings as she penned, “Leave the future to God; . . . He will aid you as in the past.” (Letter 212, September 17, 1885).
The Almighty has done and will continue to do great things for me until the day I am called home and know the fullness of Mary’s joy.
Holy indeed is God’s name!
Thank you, Christine, for this beautiful reflection. You gave me much to think about – my dark, scary times and God’s presence. Thank you!
This reflection gave me pause. My heart holds the many faces of darkness globally and I am reminded of the many blessings and graces that pass through my day …a word, a smile from a passer-by on a walk or a bird song outside my door. May I recognize the light that shines through the darkness of these days as pure gift of the moment. Thank you Christine for bringing this to my door.
Blessings,
Carol Marie
So true Christine. Thank you. Where we focus so often makes all the difference. May the coming Delta days pass quickly.
Christine, this is so simple and true, I read it twice and will read it again tomorrowl Our own life and experience bring us closest to God and to understanding God’s working in our lives. God has indeed done great things for us.
Thanks, Christine, for this beautiful reflection. Trusting God in the difficult days calls for strong faith and the example of Mary is a wonderful help
Bernadette
Thanks, Christine, for reminding us of God’s presence in both the dark and better times. Recalling our own stories of helps us move through difficult times to regain hope – little resurrections- “often to wonders unimagined”. . .
Marilyn W
Christine, thank you for adding a dimension of meaning to the Magnificat.
Dear, Thank you for your personal attention to the Magnificat on this feast day. Your reflections reminds me of other words of the Magnificat prayer. “You have helped your people.” Love
“
Dear Chris, thanks for your personal sharing of suffering and restoration both past and now. Am looking forward to our resumed Cluster Meeting. Marie Corr
Thank you for bringing this glorious feast day into the everyday challenges of hope and joy,
Blessings, Mary Frances Reis
Thank you Christine for your reflections on Mary from her powerful words and actions during dark times as we experience in our world today. Also, Mary Clarke’s most powerful reminder helps me so. Blessings!
How gently beautiful, Christine, for the joyful times and the days of struggle. You are a blessing.