The Magnificat
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Luke 1:46-56
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The Magnificat
In some of the most beautiful verses in the Bible, Mary, the mother of our Lord, sings with a heart of gladness as she comes to her cousin Elizabeth. The Magnificat is one of four canticles in chapters one and two. Previously we heard Zechariah similarly bursts into song at John’s birth. Later we will hear the angels intone their announcement of Jesus’ birth, and the old man Simeon will sing a blessing as he sees the Christ child. Mary’s canticle (called the Magnificat from the first word in the Latin translation) is the most prominent of these four songs of praise, still sung in the Church’s liturgy to this day. These canticles introduce an important theme in the Gospel of Luke, primarily that God delights in exalting the poor and humble while bringing down the rich and proud. The Lord delivers His people amid suffering and disappointment. Because of the blood of the Child Mary was carrying and His death on the cross, we have forgiveness, life, and salvation. Today, no matter what troubles assail you, trust in the Lord as your deliverer and commend all cares to Him in prayer. Rejoice in His surpassing mercy through the Holy Child, who delivers the generations from sin and sorrow.
Luke 1:46-56
+
The Magnificat
In some of the most beautiful verses in the Bible, Mary, the mother of our Lord, sings with a heart of gladness as she comes to her cousin Elizabeth. The Magnificat is one of four canticles in chapters one and two. Previously we heard Zechariah similarly bursts into song at John’s birth. Later we will hear the angels intone their announcement of Jesus’ birth, and the old man Simeon will sing a blessing as he sees the Christ child. Mary’s canticle (called the Magnificat from the first word in the Latin translation) is the most prominent of these four songs of praise, still sung in the Church’s liturgy to this day. These canticles introduce an important theme in the Gospel of Luke, primarily that God delights in exalting the poor and humble while bringing down the rich and proud. The Lord delivers His people amid suffering and disappointment. Because of the blood of the Child Mary was carrying and His death on the cross, we have forgiveness, life, and salvation. Today, no matter what troubles assail you, trust in the Lord as your deliverer and commend all cares to Him in prayer. Rejoice in His surpassing mercy through the Holy Child, who delivers the generations from sin and sorrow.
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