The Magnificat

Mary's Canticle of Praise — Luke 1:46-55

The Magnificat is Mary's own song of praise, recorded in the Gospel of Luke. When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and was greeted with the words "Blessed are you among women," Mary responded with this beautiful canticle glorifying God.

The Magnificat has been prayed daily in the Church's Evening Prayer (Vespers) for over 1,500 years. It is the only extended passage in Scripture where we hear Mary's own words and thoughts.

The Magnificat - Full Text

My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Magnificat (Latin)

Magnificat anima mea Dominum,
et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salvatore meo,
quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae.

Ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes,
quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est,
et sanctum nomen eius...

The Context of the Magnificat

The Magnificat was spoken by Mary during her visit to Elizabeth (the Visitation). Here's the scene:

  1. The Angel Gabriel has just told Mary she will bear the Son of God
  2. Gabriel also reveals that Elizabeth, thought to be barren, is pregnant
  3. Mary travels "in haste" to visit Elizabeth in the hill country of Judea
  4. When Mary greets Elizabeth, the baby John leaps in Elizabeth's womb
  5. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cries out: "Blessed are you among women!"
  6. Mary responds with the Magnificat

Mary's canticle echoes Hannah's song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, when Hannah praised God after the birth of Samuel. Like Hannah, Mary praises God for His mercy to the lowly and His justice toward the proud.

Themes in the Magnificat

1. Humility and Exaltation

Mary acknowledges her "humble estate" while recognizing that God has done "great things" for her. True humility recognizes both our lowliness and God's generosity.

2. God's Reversal of Worldly Values

The proud are scattered, the mighty brought low, the hungry filled, and the rich sent away empty. God's kingdom turns the world's values upside down.

3. God's Faithfulness

God remembers His promises to Abraham. The coming of Jesus fulfills centuries of prophecy and covenant faithfulness.

4. Joy and Gratitude

Mary's spirit "rejoices" in God her Savior. The Magnificat is fundamentally a song of joy and thanksgiving.

When to Pray the Magnificat

  • Evening Prayer (Vespers): The traditional time in the Liturgy of the Hours
  • Feasts of Mary: Especially appropriate on Marian feast days
  • Times of thanksgiving: When God has done something wonderful in your life
  • When seeking humility: Mary's canticle models true humility
  • During Advent: As we prepare for Christ's coming

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