Breaking the Word

Assumption of the B.V.M, Tuesday – 15^th August 2023 — Gospel: Lk 1,39-56

In Praise of God and His Actions

In today’s reading, Elizabeth praises Mary in the first part (1,39-45), while Mary praises God in the second (1,46-56). The canticle of Mary links between what God has done for one individual to what he will do for the structures of society at large. From thankfulness for what God has done for her, Mary turns to contemplation of God himself (49-50). She dwells on three of His characteristics: His power, His holiness and His mercy. She sees herself as insignificant, but the mighty one is at work. Only because of past tenses which speak out God’s deeds is there a gospel to proclaim. God is not to be thought of only in terms of power, for He is holy, i.e., wholly separate and distant. The name in antiquity stood for the whole person. God’s name is a holy name and must be used reverentially. He is merciful, especially for those who are afflicted. In every generation his mercy is certain for those who revere Him.

The song also tells of a complete reversal of human values (51-53). It is God who effects this reversal of the society. It is not the proud or the mighty or the rich with whom is the last word. Indeed, through the incarnation of the Messiah, God is about to overthrow all these. The proud are those who have arrogance in their heart and mind. The mighty are those actually ruling and seated on the thrones. There is a revolutionary note about filling the hungry and sending the rich away empty. Mary sings the praises of a God who is not bound by what men do. The God who is mighty, holy and merciful turns upside down the human attitudes and the order of the society. Therefore Mary sings of God’s help for His people (54-56). She is saying that God’s action in Messiah is not completely new, but a continuation of His mercy to Abraham and of His promises to the fathers of old. Thus, she envisages a God who is not only her Saviour, but the Saviour of the universe.

18^th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 12^th August 2023 – Deuteronomy 6,4-13; Mt 17,14-20

Response to God’s Action

In the first reading, Moses delivers what is known as the Shemah, Israel, which is one of the keystones of the Jewish faith. It is one of the key texts in Scripture for the Jews to be recited daily by an observant Jew. Moses in addressing the children of Israel tells them to hear and remember what God has done. He urges them to reflect on how they are to respond to God’s action. First and foremost, their love for the Lord their God should be absolutely central characteristics of their lives (i.e., emotionally, spiritually and physically). This is certainly a declaration of monotheism in the context of the multiplicity of Baals and other gods of Canaan and elsewhere. Secondly, they are to be reminded of this duty by posting the Shemah, Israel (Hear, O Israel) prayer on their bodies and around their doors. They should say this prayer frequently and reverently. As they do so, they should also recall that God is the One who is bringing them to the Promised Land where they will inherit bounty and benefits for which they did not work or earn.

Throughout Israelites history, a faith in unique God is something that became more precise with time and experience, especially under the impact of the covenant and God’s choice of Israel as his chosen people. Because the emphasis in Scripture is always on what God does and not on what his people achieve, they are never to forget what he has done for them. Indeed, faith here has many aspects. Faith involves remembering, loving, and acting. The source and power of faith originates with God. God is the one who provides the strength and the ability to persevere. In order to grow in one’s faith, one must constantly recall all that God has done and then love God unconditionally.