The Magnificat
The Magnificat is a profound hymn of praise attributed to Mary, the mother of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55). It is also known as the Song of Mary or the Canticle of Mary. This poetic prayer was uttered by Mary during her visit to her cousin Elizabeth, shortly after the Annunciation.
The Magnificat begins with the words "My soul magnifies the Lord" (in Latin, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum"), from which it derives its name. In this canticle, Mary expresses:
Praise and gratitude to God for His blessings
Recognition of God's mercy and faithfulness
A prophetic vision of social and spiritual reversals
The hymn is rich in Old Testament allusions and foreshadows themes that appear later in the teachings of Jesus.
The Magnificat's themes of divine mercy, social justice, and the exaltation of the humble have resonated with believers for centuries, making it a cornerstone of Christian devotion and theological reflection.
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The Magnificat from Luke 1:46–55
(New Revised Standard Version)
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
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In this scene from "The Life of Jesus Christ" video series, Mary utters the Magnificat while visiting her cousin Elizabeth, who at this time is pregnant with John the Baptist.
