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Reading through the Gospels 6

Luke 1:46-56

 

Luke 1:46-56 MARY'S SONG OF PRAISE: THE MAGNIFICAT

There are four canticles in Luke.  A canticle is a hymn or chant taken directly from scripture that is part of a church service. It seems many churches with traditional worship services are getting away from liturgy and that is where we find the canticles. I miss the liturgy I learned from youth.

A. Luke 1:46-55 Magnificat beginning, “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” Mary's song of praise (used in Vespers)

B.Luke 1:68-79 Zechariah's song of John's birth, which is the Benedictus (used in festival services)

C. Luke 2:14 Angels announcement of Jesus's birth, which is the Gloria in Excelsis

D. Luke 2:29-32 Simeon sings a blessing "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace" which is the Nunc Dimittis (post-communion canticle, used in Vespers)

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1:46-55 The first word in the Latin translation of this is "Magnificat." Mary, the younger of the two, redirects Elizabeth, the older of the two, to the Savior, to the one that she carried in her belly. It would seem that Mary knew scripture well in that in 1 Samuel 2, Hannah sings a song of praise which is very similar to Mary's song. This is called a "song," but I read that she "said" it because Greek verbs for speaking were also used for chanting and singing.  Mary says "God my Savior," which makes it personal. Mary acknowledges her "humble estate" as God's servant and exclaims that her mighty God is the one who exalts. Mary glorifies God in her song for what God is going to do through her. This is something I want my heart to sing too! I want to glorify God for what He will do through me, even if I do not know what that is yet. Mary glorified God in her exclamation of God's blessing that all generations would call her blessed. Mary glorifies God for what he has done in that He has surpassing mercy, shown strength in scattering the proud, brought down the mighty, exalted the humble, filled the hungry, turned away the rich, helped Israel, and spoke to the forefathers and His offspring forever.

 

1:56 Mary remained 3 months before returning home.  Elizabeth was six months along when Mary arrived, so Elizabeth must have been about to give birth.  Mary would have been barely showing in her pregnancy when she returned home.