Today, we continue with “Mary Week” as we read a portion of Luke traditionally known as The Magnificat, the Latin translation of the first line “My soul magnifies the Lord.” This song of praise was sung just after receiving news of her pregnancy, and the language in it reveals Mary’s complete and utter devotion to God, in whom she trusted.

Luke 1 (New Revised Standard Version)

⁴⁶ And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
    Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.

Scholars note that this song resembles Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Upon deeper investigation, there are at least 12 other allusions to the Old Testament in The Magnificat. Do you recognize the significance of this? It means that Mary was a woman who studied and knew God’s Word. Because the Scriptures were on her heart, God’s Word came out in her song.

⁵⁰ His mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
⁵² He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
    and lifted up the lowly;
⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵ according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

If you were to write your own Magnificat today, what would you sing? How would you praise God, and which blessings would you include? Mary’s song is a gentle reminder to us today to keep reading God’s Word, keep studying, and ponder Scripture in our hearts like she did.

God lifts up the lowly and fills us with good things. Thanks be to God!

Magnificent by Becca Ziegler