The topic today at our Secular Franciscan meeting was Mary. There was a lot of sharing and discussion among our members. I said that this painting was one of my favorites and Fr. Lou McCormick, OFM our spiritual assistant knew exactly where it was and brought it into our meeting and placed it on the table in front of us. I took this picture after the meeting. I think I’ve written about this painting before, but I find it especially captivating. The picture embodies the way I think of Mary. She was the mother of the Messiah and she is our protector too. She was the ultimate mother. She’s my mother too and my protector too and when I feel troubled as I do sometimes I always turn to her. I don’t think I’ve ever thought of her as a mystic before but I should have. What else could she have been?
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen