We see in this simple, profound prayer of praise and
thanksgiving the union to which God drew Mary to Himself. It is the height of
prayer. Let us see the successive stages preceding it, or contrasting it.
- The proud believe they have done great things for
themselves; that what they have is their own accomplishment.
- Those beginning the spiritual path believe Jesus, “the
known one,” has done things for them. They acknowledge God, but he is the god
of their experiences, their preconceptions, the god of the warm feelings they
get in prayer. When these end they often end their relationship with Him.
And they acknowledge that they have received things from him, but not “great
things,” that is, the spiritual gifts of faith, hope, and love. Rather they
see worldly possessions as the gift of their known God to them.
- Next, it is finally recognized that one has received
great things from God, that is, it is recognized that the life of faith far
surpasses any other gift we have been given, for it is through faith in Christ
that we have salvation. At this point worldly possessions are given away or
counted for nothing. But one’s concept of God has yet to be purified.
- Not necessarily the next step, there is a stage when the
soul is still proud, but deep in its depths, often beyond its own recognition,
where it still suspects it may actually have some claim or responsibility for
the great things God has done for it. It may even verbally acknowledge God’s
great bounty to it but it still thinks in its depths it has done something to
merit it. This, of course, is abhorrent and the Father wishes to purify the
soul of this so its union with him may be true and pure, and devoid of false
humility.
- Finally we come to the prayer of Mary. Mary, the Mother
of God, the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, is yet a creature. She calls her own
spouse “the Mighty God.” An awesome God of power and might. In many ways a
mysterious God, but nonetheless, the King of the Universe. “He has done great
things for me.” Yes, Mary, the Mighty God is the one who has done these
things – holy is his name. And no small things, Virgin of Nazareth – great
things. For to admit less would be blasphemous. Great things, Mary, and you
do not hesitate to proclaim them, because he alone is due the worship.
Guide us to union with the Mighty God, O Mary. For he has
done great things for us, too, born as the Word in us through faith.