Some of us like to be recognised for what we have accomplished. When we have done our work well or met certain targets, we expect to be amply praised and rewarded. Some of us like to take credit for even those things we have not anything, but just because we may have had some say, no matter how small it may be, we expect to be acknowledged. Some even go so far as to claim credit for helping another person make it in the world, even though in reality, the person may have gotten to where he or she is without help or advice from others.
But today’s Gospel gives a quite a different picture of giving credit and recognition. In the Gospel, Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.” Here, Mary was giving credit entirely to God. She recognised that she was nothing without God’s providence and help, and she gave glory to God instead of trying to take credit for saying “yes” to God. What about us? Could we ever be like Mary, giving all glory and honour to God?