The first word Mary hears from God is “rejoice.” That joy springs from the certainty that God is with her. Only in this way can confusion and fear be overcome. Mary’s joy springs from that profound encounter with God that makes her fruitful and disposes her to “let it be done”.

Contemplating Mary fills us with hope because she is the path we are called to follow. To be men and women open to God becoming real in our lives, making us fruitful because we open ourselves to the action of the Spirit.

Mary’s joy is the joy of a woman who is delighted with God, who lifts up the humiliated and scatters the proud; the one who fills the hungry with good things and sends away the rich empty. True joy is only possible in the heart of those who yearn for and seek justice, freedom, and fraternity for all. Mary rejoices in God because she comes to accomplish the hope of the abandoned.

Like Mary, may we radiate that joy that springs from the certainty of a God who gives meaning to life.