Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my Saviour". These are the opening words of the 'Magnificat'. It is a hymn to celebrate God who liberates the oppressed and gives them freedom. Mary sings this praise as she rejoices in what God has done for her and her cousin Elizabeth who was barren. Hannah in the First Reading also sang a similar hymn when God wiped away her shame by giving her a son in her barrenness.

The 'Magnificat' is not just a prayer found in the scriptures but could also be a mirror for our lives. What can we reflect from this prayer? Firstly, this prayer helps us to realize that we are the 'handmaid' of the Lord. It takes humility to come to this realization, especially in today's situation where people wield authority over their fellow beings. Realising that we are God's 'handmaid' is to say that we allow God to be in control of our lives. This would lead us to a realisation that we are equal to one another.

Secondly, this prayer reminds us of the 'great things that God has done for us'. Blessings will come when we move from self dependence to dependence on God.

Thirdly, this prayer makes us realize that God despises the sin of the proud-hearted, the mighty and the rich. These are qualities developed from being self-centred. Are they with us?