Devo Luke 1

Chapter 1
46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God
my Saviour, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From
now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great
things for me— holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought
down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the
hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his
servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants
forever, even as he said to our fathers.” 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about
three months and then returned home.

Meditation:
1. Mary, like Samuel’s mother Hannah, praises and glorifies God through
her prayer-song for God will accomplish what He has planned for the
world through her. Both prayers describe that God lifts up the poor,
comforts the oppressed, and cares for the despised. Mary’s prayer, in fact,
expands our awareness that we are grateful and joyful PARTICIPANTS
in what has been and is yet to come.
2. Prayer is our way of being attentively present to God, who is present
to us (Emmanuel) in the Holy Spirit. Our prayer is always the second
sentence. First God speaks; our response, our answer, is our prayer. From
this prayer, we learn that Mary hears and receives, believes and submits
to the Word that conceives Christ in her.
3. Have I had any experience that I was an active participant in carrying
out God’s plan for me or others? How has this experience impacted me?
4. Am I aware that I am present to God in prayer just as God is ever present
to me? What will this awareness change me in my attitude and actions
in everyday life?

Personal Note:
I experienced that I was an active participant in carrying out God's plan when I humble myself and rejoices in his leading. Pretty much this is what Crossroad is about.  The goal of Crossroad is to be a community where people can experience God's love and learn God's Words.  God's plan is to reveal his love to his people.  Overtime, I developed a sense of purpose and joy, and I pray that the brothers and sisters will experience this joy too.

God is around me everywhere.  Prayer is essential because this disciplines me to be aware of his love and guidance.  I love Vicky and I am very confident that she thinks about me often.  I long to spend time and talk to her and express my love and receive her love.  God is the only source of unconditional and unfailing love. I pray and read His Words as I desire to build a deeper relationship with God.