By Daniel Zamora
Luke 1:46b‐55
Today’s passage is known as the Song of Mary, the “Magnificat,” a spontaneous hymn identified through the centuries as the first canticle recorded in the New Testament. It contains the praises that Mary expressed while being with her relative Elizabeth, once the angel had told her about some strange and incredible announcement.
Mary was overwhelmed. First, she was visited by a heavenly being, the angel Gabriel; second, the angel’s message was that in spite of her not being married, she would have a baby and his name would be Jesus, the Son of the Most High; third, when the angel was gone, she ran to another town the tell Elizabeth the shocking news. She was pregnant and her baby jumped out of joy after listening to the awesome tidings. After that, Mary began singing full of joy and gratitude. In this canticle, Mary worshiped for what God is, for what He had done for her and the many blessings and mercy extended to generations to come.
How do we react when receiving wonderful news? Our responses may range from simply smiling to deeply crying out loud and, including but not limited to, shouting, screaming, jumping, hugging, calling loved ones to share with and thanking those who made it possible or were involved closely in the message received.
At over two thousand years of distance, let us praise God this Advent season by singing Mary’s words “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”