Mary proclaims the greatness of the Lord working in
her…
Here
is a short passage from a commentary on the Gospel according to St. Luke
written by St. Bede the Venerable (AD 673-735), focusing especially on the
Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise following the Visitation (Luke 1:46-55).
This canticle is sung or said each night as part of Evening Prayer, and forms
one of the central texts not only of our faith, but of our understanding of St.
Mary and her mission/role as the Theotokos,
or God-bearer.
The
Magnificat contains, in miniature, much of the substance of the Gospel. By
praying it daily, we keep in close contact with the message of liberation,
mercy, and divine compassion that marks authentic Christianity.
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the
Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior. With these
words Mary first acknowledges the special gifts she has been given. Then she
recalls God’s universal favors, bestowed unceasingly on the human race. When a
man devotes all his thoughts to the praise and service of the Lord, he
proclaims God’s greatness. His observance of God’s commands, moreover, shows
that he has God’s power and greatness always at heart.
His
spirit rejoices in God his savior and delights in the mere recollection of his
creator who gives him hope for eternal salvation. These words are often for all
Gods creations, but especially for the Mother of God. She alone was chosen, and
she burned with spiritual love for the son she so joyously conceived. Above all
other saints, she alone could truly rejoice in Jesus, her savior, for she knew
that he who was the source of eternal salvation would be born in time in her
body, in one person both her own son and her Lord.
For
the Almighty, has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Mary
attributes nothing to her own merits. She refers all her greatness to the gift
of the one whose essence is power and whose nature is greatness, for he fills with
greatness and strength the small and the weak who believe in him.
She
did well to add: and holy is his name, to warn those who
heard, and indeed all who would receive his words, that they must believe and
call upon his name. For they too could share in everlasting holiness and true
salvation according to the words of the prophet: and it will come to
pass, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be
saved. This is the name she spoke of earlier: and my spirit
rejoices in God my savior.
Therefore
it is an excellent and fruitful custom of holy Church that we should sing
Mary’s hymn at the time of evening prayer. By meditating upon the incarnation,
our devotion is kindled, and by remembering the example of God’s Mother, we are
encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the
evening. We are weary after the day’s work and worn out by our distractions.
The time for rest is near, and our minds are ready for contemplation."