A call to self-giving, rejoicing, and serving

August 15, Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Daily readings: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab & 1 Corinthians 15:20-27;  Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

"The Almighty has done great things for me: he has raised the lowly."

Today, on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we celebrate the Magnificat through the three things the Gospel tells us: self-giving, rejoicing, and serving.

Self-giving. Mary is a concrete example of self-giving. As the chosen one, she did not hesitate to share her life to be the mother of our savior. She was willing to give herself to fulfill the prophecy by carrying Jesus in her womb. In our daily life, are we also self-giving? Or are we being self-centered in our thoughts and actions?

Rejoicing and grateful. Today, we rejoice with Mary, for whom the Lord has done great things. This is a manifestation of hope for us. The Lord is faithful in his promise to us. Are we grateful and rejoicing for the blessings the Lord has given us?

Serving. With a loving heart, Mary empathized with the happiness of her cousin. She desired to wish her joy, rejoiced with her, and joined her in praising God’s mercy. God’s commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. As children of God, do we love our brothers and sisters with loving empathy, with their joys and sorrows? Do we, like Mary, open our hearts and hands to serve our brothers and sisters, especially the needy and the marginalized in our community and society?

Let us follow the example of Mary on this feast day to practice the virtues of self-giving, rejoicing, being grateful, and serving God’s people with a loving heart.