Luke 1:46-50, 53-54

The responsorial for this third week of Advent comes from The Magnificat, Mary’s famous hymn of praise in which she joyfully exclaims the transformative power of God and the fulfillment of his promises through the impending birth of Jesus.

The Magnificat (named for the prayer’s first word in Latin) is considered one of the most significant and beautiful hymns in the Christian tradition. It has strong parallels in the victory hymns of Miriam (Exodus 15:1-18), Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10), and Judith (Judith 16:1-17).

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

While the terms “soul” (phychē) and “spirit” (pneúma) are often used interchangeably and can have overlapping meanings, Mary’s use of both may emphasize different aspects of her being:

• “Soul” often refers to the core of one’s being, encompassing emotions, desires, and the seat of individual identity. The idea of Mary’s soul glorifying the Lord implies a deep emotional response — an inner, heartfelt expression of praise and glorification of God.
• “Spirit” refers to the higher, transcendent aspect of a person, including their connection with God. Mary’s spirit rejoicing in God her Savior suggests a more elevated, spiritual response — a profound connection with the divine.

for he has looked upon his lowly servant.

She contrasts her lowliness with the might of God, for whom nothing is impossible.

The fact that her lowliness is not an obstacle to God’s plan is evidence that all have been visited with salvation, even the poor and downtrodden.

From this day all generations will call me blessed.

Mary prophesies that she will be called blessed by “all generations”, not because of her own piety but because of God’s goodness.

This prophecy is fulfilled every time someone prays the Hail Mary.

The Almighty has done great things for me,

This humble virgin from Nazareth is going to be the Mother of God.

“Virgin Mother of God, he whom the heavens cannot contain, on becoming man, enclosed himself within your womb” (Roman Missal, Antiphon of the Common of the Mass for Feasts of Our Lady).

and holy is his Name.

Jewish culture places significant emphasis on the sanctity of names; a person’s name is closely tied to their identity and character. That being the case, the name of God is treated with utmost reverence.

This proclamation of the holiness of God’s name is a profound theological statement expressing reverence, gratitude, and recognition of God’s sacred character.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.

Turning toward a broader perspective of God’s actions for all people, Mary reflects on the enduring nature of God’s mercy. He extends this divine mercy to all those who fear him, generation after generation.

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

Mary extolls God’s justice, describing how he has always had a preference for the humble. Her experience is not an isolated event, but part of a grand narrative of God’s mercy and intervention for all of humanity.

The idea that God’s mercy is extended to all those who fear him, and that God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted, were a direct challenge to the prevailing notions of honor and status of the time and a foreshadowing of Jesus’ teachings on humility and service.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy.

The blessings bestowed upon Mary extend beyond her individual experience; they represent the fulfillment of God’s enduring promises to the entire nation of Israel. These promises, articulated to patriarchs such as Adam (Genesis 3:15), Abraham (Genesis 22:18), and David (2 Samuel 7:12), foretold God’s merciful plan for humanity.

From all eternity God had planned and decreed that the Word should become incarnate for the salvation of all mankind. As Christ himself put it: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

The promised salvation of the people has finally come.