Magnificat & Pope Francis

Even though this is not the Lukan year in the Lectionary, Pope Francis has made me think of that wonderful song in Chapter 1, the Magnificat, which is often sung during Advent. The news has been full of Francis' elevation of the poor as our proper concern.  Yet the Holy Father only reflects the Magnificat.  Everyone knows the first part: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.[Lk 1:46-47] But the part that connects with Pope Francis is further on: He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,  and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things,  and sent the rich away empty.[vss 52-53]
   The interesting thing about Francis' EVANGELII GAUDIUM - The Joy of the Gospel is that the part everyone is talking about ["Money must serve, not rule!" etc.] is in the first few pages of a work that goes to 85 pages [111 pages on my Kobo]. As one might think from the title, the Holy Father says a lot about the joy which should be ours in the Gospel, and the things that keep us from that Joy.  
  In this Advent season we need to remember that "True faith in the incarnate Son of God is inseparable from self-giving, from membership in the community, from service, from reconciliation with others." [¶ 88] And again, "The Son of God, by becoming flesh, summoned us to the revolution of tenderness."
   {There are so many good quotes in this work that I may mention others in future posts.  If you would like to read the entire 'Apostolic Exhortation' you can find it here.}
Let me take this chance to wish all of you a Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday. "God bless us everyone."