Advent 2019: Day Eight

The Magnificat is the canticle (or song) Mary sings in Mark 1:46-55. The name of the poem comes from the Latin translation of the verb for “magnify” in the first line of her song: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior” (Mk 1:46–47). Throughout our reflections this week we will be meditating on the Magnificat. For today’s reflection, try singing this first line of the poem; the tune does not matter, but try it on as a song. (If you’re not the musical type, go ahead and just speak it, but I find singing connects us with God in a special kind of way.) If you are in the practice of morning prayer, you can open or close with this line (and if you are not in the practice, what better day to start?). Sing slowly and focus on the words. When you are finished, take a moment to reflect. What does it look like for your soul to magnify the Lord today? How does your spirit rejoice in God your savior?

Throughout today, try to take some time out at various periods, both slow and busy, in frustration, anger, peace, etc., and just stop. Whatever you are experiencing in that moment, what does it look like to magnify God in the midst of it?

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