READING: Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
Luke 1: 46-49
This scripture passage is known as Mary’s song, or the Magnificat. In this poetic tribute to the glorious power of God, Mary is acknowledging that she understands what He is going to do for the world, and that she is going to be used to ensure that the Son of God fulfills that prophecy. She has shown submission to God’s will earlier in Luke 1:38 when she tells the angel Gabriel that she accepts the commission to bear His Son through a virgin birth. But in this passage, we come to understand just how faithful Mary is, and just how much she understands what she is being asked to do. Through her words, we realize that she comprehends the impact of her lowly station in life, of her precarious position of a promised, but still unmarried woman, and of the prophetic implications of this conception for Israel. As a woman, contemplating Mary’s song of tribute to God’s might and promise, I can’t help but think of the level of commitment this young woman showed to her faith. About to enter into an arranged marriage with a much older man, she is aware of the dangerous possibilities an unexplained pregnancy may entail. At the same time, she shows great strength and courage when she expresses her willingness to fulfill prophecy while fully cognizant of the risks. She knows her scriptures and she has such great faith in God’s promises. She knows that God will fulfill his promises to his people to show mercy. She not only submits to his will, but also glorifies and praises Him as she accepts his great gift in her inspirational song.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Just as Mary had the faith to believe in what you were commissioning her to do, keep us faithful to your will to spread the word to the world. Amen.
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
Luke 1: 46-49
This scripture passage is known as Mary’s song, or the Magnificat. In this poetic tribute to the glorious power of God, Mary is acknowledging that she understands what He is going to do for the world, and that she is going to be used to ensure that the Son of God fulfills that prophecy. She has shown submission to God’s will earlier in Luke 1:38 when she tells the angel Gabriel that she accepts the commission to bear His Son through a virgin birth. But in this passage, we come to understand just how faithful Mary is, and just how much she understands what she is being asked to do. Through her words, we realize that she comprehends the impact of her lowly station in life, of her precarious position of a promised, but still unmarried woman, and of the prophetic implications of this conception for Israel. As a woman, contemplating Mary’s song of tribute to God’s might and promise, I can’t help but think of the level of commitment this young woman showed to her faith. About to enter into an arranged marriage with a much older man, she is aware of the dangerous possibilities an unexplained pregnancy may entail. At the same time, she shows great strength and courage when she expresses her willingness to fulfill prophecy while fully cognizant of the risks. She knows her scriptures and she has such great faith in God’s promises. She knows that God will fulfill his promises to his people to show mercy. She not only submits to his will, but also glorifies and praises Him as she accepts his great gift in her inspirational song.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Just as Mary had the faith to believe in what you were commissioning her to do, keep us faithful to your will to spread the word to the world. Amen.
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