that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His name[1]. And His mercy is from generation unto generation, to them that fear Him. He hath shown might with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart[2]. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble[3]. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath upholden Israel[4] His servant, being mindful [5] of His mercy. As He spoke to our fathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.” Mary abode with her cousin about three months; then she returned to Nazareth.
COMMENTARY.
The Divinity of Jesus Christ. Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Ghost, testified to the Divinity of Jesus when she called Mary the Mother of God; for, if Mary is the Mother of God, her Son must be God.
Mary is the Mother of God. The Holy Ghost has called her so by the mouth of Elizabeth.
The dignity of the Mother of God is inconceivably high, for, as Mother of God, Mary is nearer than any other creature, nearer even than the highest angel, to the Blessed Trinity. Mary, being nearest of all creatures to God, who is the source of all dignity and grace, holds the highest place amongst all creatures in the kingdom of God, and is the Queen of all Saints.
Veneration of the Mother of God. In the Magnificat Mary said prophetically: “From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” This prophecy has been fulfilled in the Catholic Church, for our holy Church honours our Lady by special feasts and special devotions. How would it be possible not to pay honour to her whom God raised to such a high dignity, and praised in such a manner by the mouths of Gabriel and Elizabeth! Our veneration of the holy Mother of God is well founded both on Holy Scripture and on reason.
It is on account of her Divine Son that we honour Mary. When the Holy Ghost, by the mouth of Elizabeth, said: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb (Jesus)”, He testified to the close connexion that lies between the veneration of the
- ↑ His name. i. e. His Being and Nature is holiness itself. The All-powerful and All-holy God has done great things to me.
- ↑ Their heart. Brought to nought their proud plans.
- ↑ The humble. Remember proud Saul and humble David, and what befell them!
- ↑ Israel, i. e. the people of Israel.
- ↑ Mindful. Mindful of the gracious promises which He made to Abraham and to all his children for ever, namely, that the Redeemer would come and bring grace and blessing to all men.
