ARTS & LITERATURE

My soul doth magnify the Lord.
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth...
all generations shall call me blessed.
Because he that is mighty,
hath done great things to me;
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is from generation unto generations,
to them that fear him.
He hath shewed might in his arm:
he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat,
and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel his servant,
being mindful of his mercy:
As he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his seed forever.

In Luke’s Gospel, the read that the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she will conceive and bear a son. Mary asks how this can be since she “does not know man.” Gabriel informs her that “the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee.” Gabriel also tells Mary that her cousin Elizabeth, thought to be barren, is three months with child. Mary assents to God’s will and the Holy Ghost overshadows her. With her “yes,” Mary conceives the savior of the word, Jesus. Mary goes immediately to assist her cousin Elizabeth. Upon seeing Mary, Elizabeth’s child, John the Baptist, leaps in her womb. Elizabeth praises Mary, who has found favor with God. Mary then sings her song of praise to the Lord.

It may surprise you to know that when you recite or sing The Magnificat, you are reciting poetry. In this poem, Mary expresses her humility and gratitude towards God. Poetry, with its heightened and lyrical language, has been used by humans throughout history as a way to praise and communicate with the divine. This is a beautiful poem to recite to our Lord in the evenings during Vespers.

Consider writing your own poem of praise to God and sharing it with family and friends.