Magnificat

Luke 1:34-55 details the Annunciation (The Angel Gabriel’s announcement of the birth of the Messiah) and the Magnificat (song of praise spoken by Mary )in Luke’s Gospel. In this passage, the angel Gabriel informs Mary that she will miraculously conceive a son, Jesus, despite her being a virgin. Mary is confused about how this will happen, but Gabriel reassures her that it will be through the Holy Spirit pointing out the miraculous nature of Elizabeth's pregnancy as a sign of God's power!

Following this Mary goes to visit Elizabeth. When she arrives, Elizabeth's unborn child (John the Baptist) is filled with the Holy Spirit and leaps in her womb. At this Elizabeth, realises the significance of Mary's pregnancy exclaiming “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!

In response, Mary proclaims the ‘Magnificat’ a hymn of praise to God. (Luke 1:46-55). The name is derived from the Latin word for "magnifies," which is the first word of the song in Latin, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," which translates as "My soul magnifies the Lord."

 “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,

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.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

In this song, Mary praises God for His mighty deeds, compassion, and faithfulness to His promises. Mary’s hymn reflects on God's tendency to lift up the humble and bring down the powerful. It’s a powerful testament to Mary's faith and recognition of God's active role in her life and in the world.

In Mary’s prayer, we see a number of themes ‘echoed’ from Hannah’s prayer I 1 Samuel 2:1-10  

Both begin with ‘Divine Announcements’. In 1 Samuel 1, the birth of Samuel is a result of God’s intervention in answer to Hannah's prayer. In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel announces that God will intervene through the Holy Spirit so that Mary will conceive Jesus.

We also see two women of faith: Hannah earnestly prayed for a child promising to dedicate the boy to God's service. Likewise, Mary demonstrates strong faith by willingly accepting her role in God's plan with humility and trust.

Then there is the miraculous nature of both births. Divine Intervention plays its part as Hannah conceives after being barren for a long time. In comparison, Mary conceives as a virgin.

Both children are dedicated to God: Hannah dedicates Samuel to the Lord, leaving him to serve in the temple, while Mary understands that her son, Jesus, has come into the world as its saviour fulfilling God's plan.

Even in the women's responses, we see Prayers and Songs of Praise. Hannah’s prayer praises God for His faithfulness and deliverance. Similarly, Mary’s Magnificat praises God for His mighty deeds and faithfulness.

Both praise God's Might and Mercy: Hannah praises God for lifting the needy and humbling the proud. Mary speaks of God scattering the proud and exalting the humble.

Both prayers contain ‘Prophetic Elements’ that foretell of future roles. Samuel is recognised as a future prophet and leader of Israel. And Jesus is foretold to be the ‘Son of the Most High’ who will reign forever.

Samuel’s impact was significant on Israel as a prophet who led the nation and anointed its first kings. Jesus, in turn, brought salvation to the whole world with a new covenant that welcomed all humanity into God’s family through the work of the Cross.

We also see that both women fully Accepted and were Obedient to God. Hannah responds with obedience by honouring her vow to bring Samuel to serve at the temple. Similarly, Mary consents to the angel's message and accepts God's will. God is Faithful in both instances, as Hannah celebrates God's fulfillment of His word to her. Likewise, Mary highlights God's faithfulness to His promises. Both ‘Women’ play a significant role in God’s Salvation plan. Hannah's role is crucial in the revelation of God's salvation plan by dedicating Samuel. Similarly, Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus meant that she would always be remembered as the ‘most blessed among women’ (v42). After all, for 9 months her body was the very living temple of God!

Lots to mull over in this one, so have a great week, and remain obedient in the Lord. God bless,

Trev.