A Magnificent Prayer

I've been praying the Magnificat daily and every day I am falling in love with this bold and beautiful prayer. This is what Mary sings when she meets her cousin Elizabeth (who is carrying John the Baptist, and who leaps in his mother's womb when he feels the presence of Jesus).

My son said that it is a little bit scary that we have such a good life because at the end of time we will be the ones who will be scattered and put down. We are proud and mighty, not humble and poor of spirit. The Beatitudes turn everything upside down, but Mary understands the order of things when she concieves Jesus in her womb.

Here is this song of joy put to music by Bach, and below are the words of Mary. Enjoy.

My soul doth magnify the Lord.

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid;

for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Because he that is mighty,

hath done great things to me;

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is from generation unto generations,

to them that fear him.

He hath shewed might in his arm:

he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat,

and hath exalted the humble.

He hath filled the hungry with good things;

and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath received Israel his servant,

being mindful of his mercy:

As he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

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