The "Magnificat"

Mary's song of Praise, which is called the "Magnificat" after the first word of the song in the Vulgate version, is her humble response to God for His display of grace in her life. Twice the angel Gabriel addresses Mary as the recipient of God's grace.

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So as Mary visits Elizabeth and is prophesied over as Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit:

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"Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

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As these prophetic words filled the ears of Mary, she exclaimes, the "Magnificat":

"My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. for He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His mane. AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THIGNS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever."

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Let us remember the faith of a young girl who God blessed to carry our Lord! Who said to the angel Gabriel, "Let it be done to me according to your word."

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Blessed is the God who shows Mercy to the humble and exalts those things which are weak!