It is said that, after the Blessed Virgin Mary became pregnant with the Child God by the action of the Holy Spirit, she went to the mountains of Judea where her cousin Elizabeth’s house was located. Isabel, in turn, was also expecting a son, João Batista.
As soon as Mary entered her cousin’s house, Elizabeth gratefully exclaimed: “Blessed are you among all women and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42). Still unborn, John the Baptist, as if perceiving the presence of the Redeemer of humanity, trembles in Elizabeth’s womb. It is precisely at this moment that the Virgin of Nazareth pours out her humility when she proclaims the beautiful prayer of the Magnificat (cf. Lk 1:46-55).
This song of Mary has a singular poetic beauty and was inspired by the second chapter of the first book of Samuel. In general, three fundamental plots can be observed in the Magnificat: the glorification of the Creator, God’s predilection for the humblest and, finally, the reminder that God fulfills his promises. In this sense, our personal prayer can accompany or even imitate this beautiful prayer that came from the heart of Mary.
It is very significant when he proposes that the Magnificat be sung at the end of the afternoon during Vespers prayer. This is precisely the moment when the daylight begins to give way to the shadows of the night. In an analogous and, why not say allegorical, way, it is possible to associate the light that gradually fades with the strength of the man who, after a long day of toil, also follows the same path.
In this sense, one can consider the singing of the Magnificat as the bell of a gate; those that can be seen on rural properties. By closing at the end of the day, the most valuable assets of the residents of that property are better protected.
On the other hand, the beginning of the night is also the time for tiredness and body aches. It’s a time to be happy for everything that was possible to do during the day and to worry about what wasn’t done. Finally, it is the right time for deep reflection and, above all, to recognize the presence and action of God in each circumstance of the day.
He who sings the Magnificat, even if unaccompanied, is not alone. Sing with Mary and the entire Church a generous song of praise and gratitude to God. Through it, we repay and recognize the generous kindness of God who was able to perform wonders in favor of that humble creature who sings.
Whoever prays the Magnificat, therefore, is placing himself next to Mary and, with her, witnessing to the world his servile condition and, at the same time, fraternal towards his Creator and Redeemer.
How about we join the Virgin Mary and pray now?
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit exults in God in my Savior,
because he looked at the humiliation of his servant.
Yes! From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Almighty has done great things for me.
His name is holy and his mercy
It lasts from generation to generation, for those who fear it.
He acted with the strength of his arm,
he scattered the proud-hearted men.
He deposed the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the humble.
He showered the hungry with goods and sent the rich away empty-handed.
He helped Israel, his servant, remembering his mercy
as promised to our fathers in favor of Abraham
and of his descendants, forever!
God bless you and see you next time!
Seminarian
Missionary of the Community
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