are most blessed among women; and blessed is thefruit of your womb! How is it, that the mother of my
Lord comesto me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt
for joy. Blessed are you, who believed that the Lord’s word would come true!”
And Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God, my savior! He
has looked upon his servant, in her lowliness, and people, forever, will call me blessed. The Mighty
One has done great things for me, Holy is his
Name! From age to age, his mercy extends to those who live in his presence. He has acted with
power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans. He has put down the mighty
from their thrones, and lifted up those who are downtrodden.
He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. He held out his hand to
Israel, his servant, for he remembered his mercy, even as he promised to our fathers,to Abraham and
his descendants forever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months, and then
returned home.
Reflection:
Magnificat proclaims a new world order where the people on the margins will be at the center and
there will be a new way of being. It is a powerful dream that challenges powers that be. History confirms
how the earthly powers trembled before this hymn: In 1805, the British East India Company banned
its recitation in Kolkata. In the 1970s, the Argentinian military junta banned it when mothers of
the “disappeared” citizens used it to call for nonviolent resistance. In the 1980s the Government of
Guatemala banned its public recitation. The Magnificat is Mary boldly proclaiming God’s dream. We
shall fearlessly realize her dream for the world so as to share in her destiny in heaven.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022