Journeying With Christ: The Coptic Month of Kiahk of the Nativity FastSample

Week 3 Theme: St. Mary’s visit to St. Elizabeth

Day 2: St. Mary's Song of Thanksgiving

In our journey with Christ, we encounter moments of profound gratitude and thanksgiving. Today, we meditate on St. Mary's song of praise and thanksgiving, known as the Magnificat, as she responded to God's faithfulness in her life. This beautiful hymn reveals the depth of St. Mary's gratitude and her acknowledgment of God's mercy and providence. As we reflect on St. Mary's example, let us cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and offer our own songs of gratitude to God for His abundant blessings.

St. Mary's encounter with St. Elizabeth was a moment of great joy, and it stirred St. Mary's heart to burst forth in a song of thanksgiving to God. Her soul magnified the Lord, and she proclaimed His greatness, saying, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). St. Mary recognized that all she had received was a result of God's faithfulness and mercy and her song of gratitude reflects her deep understanding of God's goodness and His unwavering love.

In our own journey with Christ, it is vital to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. St. Ambrose of Milan, an Early Church Father, encourages us to develop a grateful disposition in all circumstances. He writes, "No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks" (On the Duties of the Clergy). St. John Chrysostom, another Early Church Father, says, “Thanksgiving is an excellent way of opening the heart to God, and of showing Him respect. It is a perfect way of lifting the mind to God, and of setting it on fire”. As we journey with Christ, let us imitate St. Mary's example of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's faithfulness in both the joys and challenges of our lives.

St. Mary's Magnificat is not merely a personal expression of gratitude; it also reveals God's heart for the lowly and needy. In her song, St. Mary exalts God's mercy and His concern for the oppressed. She sings, "He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty" (Luke 1:52-53). St. Mary recognizes that God's mercy extends to the marginalized and the vulnerable, lifting them up and providing for their needs.

In our journey with Christ, we too are called to extend God's mercy and compassion to those around us. St. John Chrysostom teaches that God's mercy is available to all who seek it. He writes, "God is merciful and quick to grant pardon to the penitent" (Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew). Let us embrace the transformative power of God's mercy in our lives and extend that same mercy to others. Through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion, we become channels of God's love and instruments of His mercy in the world.

As we journey with Christ, we anchor our faith in God's faithfulness throughout history. St. Mary's song proclaims God's enduring faithfulness to His promises and His people. God's promises are always fulfilled, even though we are not always ready to understand how. St. Augustine of Hippo emphasizes this point when he says, “God is not unjust, so as to deprive the just of the reward of justice, if the sacrament of the divinity and humanity of Christ was not announced to them”. Let us find comfort and hope in the unchanging faithfulness of God, knowing that He remains steadfast even in the midst of uncertainty and challenges.

Today, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings and faithfulness of God in our lives. In gratitude, let us offer our own songs of praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging His mercy, provision, and guidance. May our hearts be filled with joy as we journey with Christ, and may our lives be a testament to His goodness and faithfulness.