TUESDAY 20th DECEMBER 1983
THE MAGNIFICAT
Reading: Luke 1:46-55 English - Stephen Chinese - Barbara
Mary's Song of Praise
46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,
52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever."
COMMENTARY - Cindy
This is a prayer or a song said by Mary, praising and thanking God for the wonderful thing he was using her to do. It is similar to a song in the Old Testament. When Hannah, the mother of the Old Testament prophet Samuel, was to give birth to Samuel, she also wrote a hymn of praise rather similar to this. It is very likely that Mary knew Hannah's song quite well, and she noted the similarities between her situation and Hannah's.
This particular hymn is one of the most beautiful statements of praise and honour to God in our Bible. It is even more beautiful as we remember the special circumstances which led to it being written.
Mary notes that God has honoured a simple lowly woman by choosing her for this special task. God could have come to earth like a King, born through a Queen, but instead he chose a lowly woman.
NEWS
PRAYER (say together)
Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness and love for each one of us. You have shown, through your choice of Mary, how much you care for the poor and the hungry. Help us to reflect your love in our lives.
In Jesus' Name we pray. A-men
