April 3 - Mary's Song
The Gospel of Luke is the only one of the four Gospels to include Mary's song. Mary is visiting with her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth asks in Luke 1:43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Mary is overtaken with praise as she answers her cousin.
Mary’s song is called The Magnificat, meaning “my soul magnifies the Lord” in Latin.
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
What words or phrases stand out to you? How does Mary's song express her understanding of God's character and His work in the world? What is the significance of her words during Lent?
Link to Bible verses: Luke 1: 46-56