"Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked upon his lowly servant."

Luke 1:46

Beautiful Mother Mary rejoices in God and proclaims his greatness because of what he does for her in her lowliness. She shows us that, in the spiritual life, there is a big connection between lowliness and greatness. It is by admitting her lowliness that she can come to the greatness of God.

If we accept that Mary is the greatest human leader who teaches how to live in the greatness of God through lowliness, this can be a tough pill to swallow. We all know you will be eaten up alive if we do not take charge of life and conquer the world. If we do not do our job at work or on the field, someone else will be there to take it.

The message we so often get to conquer the world by our own might is the opposite of Jesus' message. We are not to conquer the world by our own might and ways but to be conquered by Jesus. It is Jesus in us and through our lowliness that conquers the world. And Mary shows us the way. Through her lowliness that the greatness of God speaks to all generations.

The challenge is to admit our lowliness in a world that tells us to hide any hint of it. What is your need, what is your lowliness without God? If you need patience for the kids, call on the infinite patience of God. In your lack of mercy for the one who has harmed you or a loved one so deeply, look to the one who pours out infinite mercy over you from the cross. With all the burdens and stress in your life hear the Lord of everything saying to you, "Come to me and I will give you rest." (Mt. 11:28-30)

In a world that says do not be lowly, follow the wisdom of Mary and become lowly before the Lord. Pray, write down, know and share your lowliness. It is in our lowliness that the greatness of God comes.

How great is your greatness? How great is God's?

+Fr. John

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