Mary is closely tied to the greatest sign of God's love — the Word made flesh who took upon himself our sins and weakness. Faithful to the divine purpose for which she was born, Mary continues to spend herself in the service of men, who are all called to be brothers of her son Jesus. The Mother of God is also truly the mother of men.
1. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Lk 1:46-47). Do I know, like the Blessed Virgin Mary, how to recognize and to be amazed at the great and good things God does in me and in others — family, friends...?
2. For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden (Lk 1:48). What can I do to grow in humility, in knowing how to value, welcome, understand and be grateful to others?
3. And his mother kept all these things in her heart (Lk 2:51). Do I follow our Lady's example, opening my heart to the Lord in prayer, making him a sharer in my problems and my joys?
4. Our Lady intercedes before God for our needs. Do I pray the holy Rosary with piety and trust? Do I try to gather my family together whenever possible to honor our Lady with this devotion?
5. Do whatever he tells you (Jn 2:5). Many conversions, many decisions to give oneself to the service of God have been preceded by an encounter with Mary (Christ is passing by, 149). Do I have recourse to Mary as an ally in order to bring people closer to God?
6. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord (Is 11:2). What gifts of the Holy Spirit can I ask for myself or for others, to make us more like Christ in the particular circumstances in which we find ourselves?
7. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Which of these fruits could I cultivate, with God's grace?