4. The Canticle of Zechariah. First, it should be noted that there are several things which Luke has not told us, which we might like to know, but will not find in this inspired account. Gods compassion on her has revealed both His power and His holiness (Mighty One, holy is His name, v. 49). If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. Because there is no specific connection of the canticle to the context of Marys pregnancy and her visit to Elizabeth, the Magnificat (with the possible exception of v. 48) may have been a Jewish Christian hymn that Luke found appropriate at this point in his story. In His ministry the Lord Jesus would expand on he social themes of Marys Magnificat: And turning His gaze on His disciples, He began to say, Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Since you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time, you will be silenced and have no power of speech until this has happened.'. * [1:76] You will go before the Lord: here the Lord is most likely a reference to Jesus (contrast Lk 1:1517 where Yahweh is meant) and John is presented as the precursor of Jesus. According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus takes place through the holy Spirit, the power of God, and therefore Jesus has a unique relationship to Yahweh: he is Son of God. This would even be true in the Jewish world of those days when our Lord added humanity to His deity and manifested Himself to men. Finally, there are those who would accept the rendering of some obscure manuscripts14 and conclude that it was Elizabeth and not Mary, who was the composer of the magnificat,15 the praise hymn of verses 46-55. Our salvation comes about in the same way that Marys baby was conceivedtotally by the sovereign work of God, apart from any effort which Mary might make. This would put her departure very close to the time of Johns birth, and reasons have been suggested for identifying the time of her departure either just before or just after the birth of John. The bore the added social stigma of having no children. 45Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!, My soul glorifies the Lord(F)47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,(G)48for he has been mindfulof the humble state of his servant. 45 Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled. Mary and Elizabeths praise of God went much further than just gratitude for the gift of a child. Marys age, then, is not a significant issue to Luke. (5) Mary is a model disciple in her grasp of the purposes and promises of God. holy is his name. The Israelites felt that their physical link with Abraham was sufficient to save them, but they were wrong, and John would later challenge this false belief (Luke 3:8). Bridgeway Bible Commentary. . 38 Mary said, 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.' Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. 80 Meanwhile the child grew up and his spirit grew strong. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. In verses 46-49, Mary praises God for His mercy as expressed toward her. 13But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid,* Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. It is not at all surprising to find that the births of both John and Jesus are miraculous, for the lives of both are miraculous. 3 Pilate put to him this question, 'Are you the king of the Jews?'. Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. When we look back at Lukes report of what Zacharias was told by Gabriel, it was simply that the son God was giving him and his wife would be the forerunner of Messiah. 39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,(A) 40where she entered Zechariahs home and greeted Elizabeth. 3I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, We are led to the conclusion that Marys praise was spoken in the hearing of Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise was spoken to God, but for Marys benefit. ', 34 Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?'. Zacharias returned home to his wife, who kept herself in seclusion for five months (vv. While this is true, this must be kept in its proper perspective. Version. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.f 51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart. The book of Revelation speaks much of these themes, and prophesies their fulfillment. She viewed history in the light of this plan. And he lived in the desert until the day he appeared openly to Israel. They were not, however, the themes of the scribes and Pharisees. 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Mary was totally free to share the details of the angels revelation, without any hesitation. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. (2) Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and her words were a divinely inspired utterance. We can see that the verbs in these verses are past perfect. Wonders of His . Luke 1:38 And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word. The Lord is with you.'. 43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord(D) should come to me? In the course of performing his duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him while he was inside the holy place. Perhaps there is a hint here that the words of Marys hymn are divinely inspired, but that the work is her composition, her work of praise and devotion, in response to the revelation of the angel. c. [1:52] 1Sm 2:7; 2Sm 22:28; Jb 5:11; 12:19; Ps 147:6; Sir 10:14; Jas 4:6; 1Pt 5:5. f. [1:55] Gn 13:15; 17:7; 18:18; 22:1718; Mi 7:20. k. [1:68] 7:16; Ps 41:13; 72:18; 106:48; 111:9. n. [1:7273] Gn 17:7; Lv 26:42; Ps 105:89; Mi 7:20. r. [1:76] Is 40:3; Mal 3:1; Mt 3:3; 11:10. 35 The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. 53 He has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty. Mary understood that Israels hope was rooted in the Abrahamic Covenant, not in the Mosaic. Peter momentarily forgot that the gospel is inseparably linked with certain social obligations, and thus Paul had to rebuke him (cf. New International Version (NIV). Indeed, I believe that Luke is telling us that wives are not restricted to the level of spirituality of their mate. And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed. But He said, On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it (Luke 11:27-28). While there is some truth in the rather dismal picture which I have portrayed, it is not utterly so. (N)52He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble. 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 1 He called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. The Lord is with you.m Geldenhuys responds, In discussing this hymn of praise, some critics have asked whether Mary had her Old Testament open before her when she uttered the song. She looks at the long range, not the short term. I doubt that Mary way aware of the fact that Christ would come to earth twice, to achieve two distinct purposes. ', 61 They said to her, 'But no one in your family has that name,'. * Whether or not Elizabeth and Mary had any previous communication before Marys arrival. I was 'a stranger and you gave me no welcome', Pope Francis: 'We do not have to be perfect', Daily Readings for Wednesday, January 18, 2023, St. Volusian: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Prayer for the Family: Prayer of the Day for Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Luke . How, then, did Elizabeth know that Jesus would be born of a virgin, and that the virgin was none other than her relative, Mary? 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. 67. 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. Luke 1:65 And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. You shall name him John: the name means Yahweh has shown favor, an indication of Johns role in salvation history. Just as Marys response surpasses that of Zachariah, so the greatness of the miracle of the virgin birth of Messiah will exceed the miracle which produces a son for the elderly priest and his wife. 45Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!, My soul glorifies the Lord(F)47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,(G)48for he has been mindfulof the humble state of his servant. and to grant us that, 74rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 75in holiness and righteousness. While some think that they will be a Christian by trying harder to live a good life they need to learn that becoming a Christian, being born again is illustrated by the birth of Marys child, while trying to be religious through good works is illustrated by the birth of John the Baptist. 37for nothing will be impossible for God.r Daily Readings with Questions for Reflection, RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. She is a woman who had a good grasp of what God was doing in history and in society. The form of the proper noun is the same as that in "Bethlehem, of the land of Juda," in Matthew 2:6.The city may have been one of those assigned to the priests within the limits of the tribe of Judah, and if so, it is interesting to think of the Virgin as undertaking a journey which . Mary: The Expecting Momma. Both reach out in love and rejoice in the work of God in their live. She would, by the miraculous action of the Holy Spirit, become pregnant, and her holy child would be called the Son of God (v. 35). And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him. John chapter 3). 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be[a] a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. 46And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord,47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;49for he who is mighty has done great things for me,and holy is his name.50And his mercy is on those who fear himfrom generation to generation.51He has shown strength with his arm,he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,52he has put down the mighty from their thrones,and exalted those of low degree;53he has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent empty away.54He has helped his servant Israel,in remembrance of his mercy,55as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.[b]. 25So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.k. Q. The point I wish to make here is that the restrictions which the New Testament makes on women and their role in public worship are not detrimental to the spiritual life and development of women. Chapter 1 . She did not have any social standing due to her parentage or class, nor even the dignity of Elizabeth and Zacharias age. 1 Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have reached their fulfilment among us, 2 as these were handed down to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, 3 I in my turn, after carefully going over the . If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Elizabeths words are not as reflective, but seem almost to explode from her lips unexpectedly. You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. * [1:5] In the days of Herod, King of Judea: Luke relates the story of salvation history to events in contemporary world history. 41And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and she exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (7) Mary is a model disciple in that her praise was not only a personal expression of worship, but also was edifying to Elizabeth. Luke 1,39-56. by Fr. She must have been very devastated upon seeing Jesus died but she understood the truth. 38Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. To press the matter of Marys obedience even further, Mary was not only obedient to the imperatives of Gods word, but also to the inferences of His word. Even the church has made its concessions to the womens liberation movement. Elizabeth is a magnificent woman of God, in Lukes opinion. Luke - Chapter 1. 54 He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love. Announcement of the Birth of John. There is no provincialism to be found in her praise. 24 Some time later his wife Elizabeth conceived and for five months she kept to herself, saying, 25 'The Lord has done this for me, now that it has pleased him to take away the humiliation I suffered in public.'. Romans chapter 7). Thus, it is used with reference to Nazareth (1:26), which was but a village. Our praise during this Christmas season should especially be patterned after that of Mary, who did not focus on the tiny baby that she would soon hold in her arms, but in the God who sent Messiah and in the goal of His coming earth. Mary was not sinless; recognized her need for a Savior. If Luke was writing to Gentiles, the name of this village would not have had any meaning, and thus was omitted as non-essential to his purpose. The Worship of Two Women (Luke 1:39-56) Introduction When one thinks of the women of the ancient world, our first emotional response is usually pity. Marys praise was addressed to God, but in adoring God she also encouraged and edified Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise encouraged her. Then the angel left her. Throughout the Old Testament, the miraculous ministries of Gods chosen instruments often began by a miraculous or unusual birth. Lk 1:76 where John is described as prophet of the Most High. Most High is a title for God commonly used by Luke (Lk 1:35, 76; 6:35; 8:28; Acts 7:48; 16:17). (5) Marys praise serves as an encouragement to Elizabeth, just as Elizabeths praise was an encouragement to her. Thus there is a kind of criss-crossing effect in the praise of both women, for each expresses ones personal praise, but edifies the other. The hungry will be fed and the well-fed will be hungry. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.g In short, Mary is the focus, not Elizabeth. 3 He said to them, 'Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and do not have a spare tunic. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.. This would even be true in the Jewish world of those days when our Lord added humanity to His deity and manifested Himself to men. If a woman past the childbearing age could become pregnant, why, the angel implies, should there be doubt about Marys pregnancy, for nothing will be impossible for God. (3) In verse 50 Marys praise broadens, viewing Gods grace to her as a reflection of His gracious purposes for His chosen people, Israel. gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. 22But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. To those who lived far away from the Holy Land, the name of this unknown place was unimportant. One can speculate as to what Mary may have been thinking along the way to Elizabeths home. 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Chapter 23 . (8) Marys theology, as reflected in her Magnificat is vastly superior to that of the scribes and Pharisees, who would become the arch enemies of our Lord. ii. . 16 and he will bring back many of the Israelites to the Lord their God. For less than $5/mo. 56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. The fact that Zacharias was a professional priest and that his wife and Mary were but lay people did not in any way set Zacharias above the others. 57When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 49 for the Almighty has done great things for me. The angel had not commanded Mary to go to the house of Elizabeth, but had only stated that Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age, which showed that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:36-37). * Priestly division of Abijah: a reference to the eighth of the twenty-four divisions of priests who, for a week at a time, twice a year, served in the Jerusalem temple. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb. Revelation 21 Seems To Be After The Millennium Where It Says There Will Be No Pain Or Tears. An aged priest has less faith than a young peasant girl, and thus Elizabeths blessing of Mary for her faith in Gods promise contains a mild rebuke for her doubting husband, who did not believe Gabriels words. Luke 1:39-56. The men assumed the leadership roles, especially in spiritual matters. In other words, Marys praise does not focus on the immediate blessedness of her having this child, but on the ultimate outcome of the coming of Messiah. If you are one of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly thank you. n. [1:31] Gn 16:11; Jgs 13:3; Is 7:14; Mt 1:2123. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones. 1 The whole assembly then rose, and they brought him before Pilate. 2. Marys Magnificat reveals the depth of her grasp of Gods grace, which is not only shown to her, but to all the people of God, and from generation to generation. 41When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. We will explore the basis for Elizabeths blessing of Mary later, but for now let us simply observe that the arrival of Mary is the occasion for Elizabeths praise, not the soon arrival of John. Even this is a manifestation of Gods grace, for at this early point in time such knowledge would only have caused Mary unnecessary and premature pain. Indeed, it would seem that in the case of Elizabeth, if not also Mary, her spirituality surpassed that of her husband. Our Lord was careful to show that being obedient to Gods will and His word were more important than being humanly related to Him: And a multitude was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You. And answering them, He said, Who are My mother and My brothers? And looking about on those who were sitting around Him, He said, Behold, My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother (Mark 3:31-35; cf. There is no such thing as a purely 'spiritual' love. Marys response was an elegant expression of faith: Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). Luis A. Zazano May 30, 2021. written by Fr. 52 He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly. 36And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; (4) Mary is a model disciple in grasp of the social implications of the gospel. In particular, instead of praising God for His mercy and compassion, as the psalmists and Mary do, Jonah protests against the grace and mercy of God in the final chapter of the book. 17 The term which is rendered city (a city of Judah, v. 39) is one that is very broad, and does not really indicate the size of the place. 1 The feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was now drawing near, 2 and the chief priests and the scribes were looking for some way of doing away with him, because they were afraid of the people. [1:49] Dt 10:21; Ps 71:19; 111:9; 126:23. I will not pursue this in any detail here, but let me point out several areas of contrast between Marys theology, her understanding of the Old Testament, and that of the scribes and Pharisees. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and He continued in to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart (Luke 2:51, emphasis mine). Our praise tends to focus primarily on what God has done for us. John will go before the Lord (Lk 1:1617); Jesus will be Lord (Lk 1:43; 2:11). The lofty will be put down and the humble will be exalted (vv. And they were all astonished. 31 Look! 9according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.e 8-9). Salvation is Gods miraculous work in us, producing new life. Here is, 64 At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. 9 when it fell to him by lot, as the priestly custom was, to enter the Lord's sanctuary and burn incense there. At the beginning of his two-volume work Luke shows those who play crucial roles in the inauguration of Christianity to be wholly a part of the people of Israel. 16 The term young is used with some caution, for it is only tradition that teaches us Mary was a young, girl, a teen. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. As we conclude, let me suggest some specific applications of our text. It is largely, however, the composition of Luke who writes in imitation of Old Testament birth stories, combining historical and legendary details, literary ornamentation and interpretation of scripture, to answer in advance the question, Who is Jesus Christ? The focus of the narrative, therefore, is primarily christological. Elizabeths words far surpass the revelation which we are told Gabriel gave to Zacharias. Luke was a doctor and therefore a man of science and research, and this is reflected in his history of the life of Jesus. Even if not composed by Luke, it fits in well with themes found elsewhere in Luke: joy and exultation in the Lord; the lowly being singled out for Gods favor; the reversal of human fortunes; the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. Show the volunteers who bring you reliable, Catholic information that their work matters. While Elizabeth spoke with a loud voice (1:42), Mary is perhaps more sedate. Instead, we must focus on the things which Luke has included, for these point to the thrust of his argument. Bible. One cannot read the Magnificat of Mary without realizing that she has drawn deeply from the terminology and the theology of the Old Testament. (:46-47) State of Rejoicing in God. Resume Prayer. . 42cried out in a loud voice and said, Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.t John is great in the sight of the Lord (Lk 1:15); Jesus will be Great (a LXX attribute, used absolutely, of God) (Lk 1:32). Luke 1:39-56: Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. Chapter 9 . 10 And at the hour of incense all the people were outside, praying. She rejoices in God, who is her Savior (v. 47). 67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: 68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited his people, he has set them free. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. (K)50His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. 12Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 63 The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' Mary seems immediately to respond to the praise of Elizabeth by offering her own praise to God. (4) Elizabeths words served primarily as an encouragement to Mary. (6) Mary is a model disciple in her evident reflection and meditation on the things of God. 5 In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. The Birth of John. Thus Mary quickly prepared and left to visit her relative living in an unnamed village17 in the hill country of Judah (v. 39). John spoke as it were by leaping in the womb (1:41), while Elizabeth seems almost to speak for John. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. Mary grasped the camels and the religious leaders only grasped at the gnats.. Get the app {{#signedIn}} .