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The Magnificat
by Fr. Reid Hensarling
Luke 1:46-55
In obedience to the implicit command from Gabriel, Mary goes to visit Elizabeth (1:39-45) and stays until the birth of her child (2:1-7), thus seeing the fulfillment of the promised sign. Further confirmation of the angel's promise (1:26-38) is given by Elizabeth herself under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and even the child in her womb indicates its joy. Here is the beginning of John's witness to Jesus. Mary's response to this is expressed in the first of the "hymn" in this story, known as the Magnificat. The hymn has three parts: 1:46-49 focuses on God's actions for Mary the humble woman; 1:50-53 generalizes God's acts to include God-fearers, proud, humble, hungry, and rich; 1:54-55 repeats the covenant context and highlights God's faithfulness to his promises to Israel.
There are many themes in the text. God is merciful to those who fear him. God's power overcomes the proud. God exalts the humble. God responds to the hungry with his hands open. God resists those who are proud rich. The faithful are blessed because God will bring his promises to completion. God should be praised for his goodness. God is faithful to his word and stretches out his mighty hand for those who stand humbly before him.
Mary gives thanks to God for the mercy which he has shown to her personally, and which corresponds with his practice of helping and vindicating the poor and needy, while at the same time bringing their proud, rich oppressors to nothing. All this corresponds further with the covenant which he made with the ancestors of the Jewish race to show them mercy forevermore. In this way the birth of the Messiah is seen to fit into the general pattern of God's purpose with regard to Israel, and indeed to be the decisive act in history.
Mary praises the Lord and rejoices in his saving ability. Her personal praise comes from deep inside her. The expression of praise is followed by a statement giving grounds for it. Mary partakes richly from God's extraordinary character and love. God is worthy of praise for what he will do in taking care of his own. He is a deliverer and savior.
God has looked very graciously at the lowly state of his servant. God's mercy and power are exercised for the humble that fear him. The hymn proceeds with a more general account of the reasons why future generations will pronounce Mary blessed. He has done great things for her. Mary recognizes that God has given her a special place by having her bear the Messiah. Now that Mary has been touched by the gracious acts of God, she will never be the same. Her life and purpose is forever changed by the hand of God. God's sovereign purposes and plans will come to fruition through his servant Mary.
Salvation also implies judgment, and so God is also said to scatter his enemies. The proud are described as the mighty and the rich and are contrasted with the humble and needy. The Lord exalts the humble. The hungry are satisfied with the blessings that God provides while the rich are given nothing. God's action is seen to be in fulfillment of his covenant with Israel. God is faithful to his promises and loyal to his people. God has power to deliver his people and he exercises it. God will extend his salvific power to those who fear him. No one can oppose them. God never forget his merciful, loyal love. He is surely a great and mighty God, and worthy to be forever praised and worshipped.
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