And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Luke 1:46-47 NABRE
Mary is engaged by the angel Gabriel with a message from God about becoming the mother of Jesus his Son, as well as the news that her cousin Elizabeth is pregnant. Mary journey’s to Elizabeth’s home to assist her in her final months of pregnancy. In her greeting Elizabeth confirms the specialness of Mary’s received grace, she calls her blessed and praises her for her strong belief. Mary responds to Elizabeth honoring God. Mary’s response has been called the Magnificat, which is the first word of the Latin translation, Mary magnifies God for the blessings she has received, words that echo other scriptural passages. In the psalms, “My soul will glory in the LORD; let the poor hear and be glad. Magnify the LORD with me; and let us exalt his name together.” (34:3-4) In the first book of Samuel we read Samuel’s mother Hannah thanking God for the birth of a son, “And Hannah prayed: ‘My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted by my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in your victory.’” (2:1) Mary’s response points to a Jewish woman who is steeped in the word of the Lord, she, like many devout Jews of the time, is able to recall scripture, it is this constant immersion in the word of God that makes Mary aware that it is God who deserves all the glory.
Mary calls herself the handmaid of the Lord, his servant, God looks upon her lowliness and lifts her up, she recognizes God’s mercy. Mary stands as a representative of her people Israel singing praise for God. She also sheds a light on all mothers who trust God and give their life to their children. Mary’s motherhood should be a model for all humanity.
How well do you know scripture? How do you think of you mother?
Mary calls herself handmaid of the Lord, servant, lowly and lifted up by God, and she sees God as merciful. She sheds a light on all mothers who trust God and give their life to their children. Mary’s motherhood should be a model for all humanity. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #Mary #motherhood #Luke #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways