Journeying With Christ: The Coptic Month of Kiahk of the Nativity Fastናሙና

Week 2 Theme: The Annunciation to St. Mary

Day 5: The Magnificat - A Song of Praise

As we journey with Christ, we encounter moments of awe and wonder, moments when our souls overflow with praise and gratitude. Today, we join St. Mary in offering our own song of praise and thanksgiving as we reflect on the Magnificat, a hymn that resounds with the greatness and faithfulness of God. In this moment of praise, we find inspiration to cultivate a heart of humility and thanksgiving on our journey with Christ.

St. Mary's soul magnified the Lord as she proclaimed, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). In her humble state, St. Mary recognized the greatness of God and rejoiced in His salvation. Her song of praise, known as the Magnificat, reveals the depth of her faith and her intimate relationship with God.

St. Ambrose, an Early Church Father, celebrates Mary's hymn as a model of humility and thanksgiving. He writes, "Learn her humility. She comes as a relative to her relative, as a younger sister to her elder sister; and not only does she come, but she is the first to salute; it is fitting that the more chaste is a virgin, the more humble she is; that she knows how to honor her elders, that she be mistress of humility, the one who makes profession of chastity.” What is more blessed than to confess the Saviour? What more glorious than to praise God? St. Mary's hymn teaches us that true humility is not self-deprecation but the acknowledgment of God's greatness and the surrender of our lives to His will. It is in recognizing God's work in our lives that we find true cause for thanksgiving and joy.

The Magnificat echoes the themes of God's mercy, faithfulness, and the reversal of worldly values. St. Mary exclaims, "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" (Luke 1:51-52). In these words, St. Mary proclaims the transformative power of God's kingdom, where the proud are humbled and the lowly are lifted up. What a powerful and awesome statement - only one humble of heart can truly make such a proclamation.

As we journey with Christ, we too are called to embrace the values of God's kingdom. We are invited to humble ourselves before God, recognizing His strength and sovereignty. In a world that often exalts the proud and mighty, St. Mary's song reminds us that true greatness lies in a heart surrendered to God's will.

The Magnificat also highlights the faithfulness of God. St. Mary declares, "For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name" (Luke 1:49). St. Mary recognized that her own role in God's plan of salvation was not of her own merit but a result of God's graciousness and faithfulness. Her song reminds us that God's faithfulness extends to all generations, as He continues to work in our lives and fulfill His promises.

As we reflect on the Magnificat, let us cultivate a heart of praise and gratitude, magnifying the Lord for His marvelous works in our lives. Let us humbly acknowledge His greatness and faithfulness and in moments of doubt or uncertainty, let us draw inspiration from St. Mary's example, trusting in God's plan and surrendering to His will.