Last March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic started in the Philippines. We did not know what Covid was. We did not know how to treat it. We tried everything to avoid it. 

It was very hard because we said goodbye to so many people. Many people experienced financial difficulties and up to now, many people are dealing with mental health issues like depression, worry, fear, and anxiety. 

Yet, we have to always remain hopeful like Mary. Every holiday season, we are reminded she experienced a life-changing event. She will bear a child through the Holy Spirit. It was a crisis, because, how do you explain this to Joseph? How was she to explain this to her parents Joakim and Ana, her relatives, friends, and neighbors? 

Yet despite the difficulties, Mary was able to say, “My soul proclaims the goodness of the Lord.”

Three reasons why we should praise God even when times are difficult: 

1. Mary knew that God had a plan.  With the Lord, all happens for a reason and purpose. Hence, even in the most difficult times, that is all part of God’s plan. Since His plan is always the best, we can praise God. 
   
2. Mary knew that nothing is permanent in the world. “The proud God has scattered; the rich God has made poor; the conceit, God has humbled”. In other words, God’s plan will always prevail and the good will overcome evil. 
   
3. Mary knew that God would never abandon us. Although we came into the world with nothing, we are also leaving the world with nothing. Yet, whether we are rich or simple, there is still so much to be grateful to God for. He will give us strength in the most difficult times of our lives. 

That is why may we always remember that while we cannot predict life, we can always be hopeful – praising God in the most difficult times of our lives. After all, he has a plan in all of these, good will always prevail and he will never forsake us.