Virgin of Guadalupe a 21st century mural, unknown artist
So far this Advent we have lit the candles of hope and peace. Now we begin the week leading up to lighting the candle of Joy. Perhaps joy is the most challenging Advent theme in these uncertain times when both hope and peace seem scarce.
This week I will be focusing on the song of Mary, the Magnificat, for a number of the reflections. Mary’s song (Luke 1:46b-55) is an alternate psalm for this coming third Sunday of Advent.
Luke 1:46b-55 (NRSV)
46b "My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
The Song of Mary is a response of joy. It comes pouring from Mary’s mouth at the moment that her cousin Elizabeth confirms the angel’s annunciated. There is a seed planted deep within Mary, she is to give birth the savior of Israel.
The Magnificat is the gospel in a nutshell. Mary sings of the mighty being brought down, the proud being scattered, the poor and powerless being lifted up, and the hungry filled with good things. These themes continue through the gospel of Luke.
One detail about the Magnificat that sometimes goes without mention, is that it uses the Greek aorist tense for its verbs. This is the tense of “Already and Not Yet” and it is the tense of the gospel.
I wish English had this tense, but it does not. The verbs of the Magnificat are translated as past perfect: “God has brought down the mighty with his hand.” This might be better translated as “God has brought down the mighty, God is bringing down the mighty, and God will bring down the mighty with his hand.”
I have a special attachment to the Magnificat. I chose this passage as my New Testament text for in-depth study in my very first seminary class. It was also the gospel passage I chose for my ordination. And my ordination gift from the members of Wollaston Congregational Church, where I was called to serve as pastor, was a gorgeous Magnificat stole.
The Magnificat inspires me when I lose heart, and it chastises me when I chicken out and back down from the call of justice. The Magnificat reminds me of the courage and resilience of Mary. The Magnificat is pure joy: the joy of the already and the not yet. When we sing with pure joy, we sing of hope and peace.
The Magnificat has resonated with many Christians through the ages. It has been arranged to music, of course, and has served as a hymn from the very beginnings of the church. It has inspired works of art throughout the ages.
I hope you will continue on this journey of Advent companionship as we reflect on the theme of joy along with Mary’s song this week.
Deep blessings to you!
Here is a recording of the Taizé community’s chant, “Magnificat”
Magnificat, magnificat, magnificat anima mea Dominum,
Magnificat, magnificat, magnificat anima mea! [1]
[1] https://www.taize.fr/spip.php?page=chant&song=465&lang=en