Episcopalians have saints. You might already know that or you might not. Either way, like St. Luke himself, we recognize and celebrate many saints throughout the year. There are martyrs, holy women, holy men, and doctors (theologians) of the faith who we have canonized over 2000 years of Christianity. There is value in recognizing saints in this world, who despite their brokenness, found ways to follow and serve God in ways which can be an example for us.

Although that is a newsletter for another time. Today, I want to talk about the Mary mother of Jesus who’s saint day we celebrate this week. Not only is Mary important in the Gospel narrative but her story encapsulates the Gospel narrative.

Not only is she one example of the forgotten and the outcast whom God has remembered but she speaks of this in the Magnificat.

“This song of praise, also known as “The Song of Mary,” is from the account in Lk 1:46-55 of Mary’s visit to her relative Elizabeth when Mary was pregnant with Jesus and Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist. It is attributed to Mary in the Lucan narrative. The term is from the opening words of the passage in the Latin Vulgate, Magnificat anima mea Dominum (“My soul magnifies the Lord”). The Magnificat may have been modeled after the Song of Hannah (1 Sm 2:1-10), which is quite similar in its structure and themes. Both songs emphasize God’s holiness and power, God’s option for the poor and judgment on the rich, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the redemption of God’s people.” (episcopalchurch.org)

And that is why I think it is important to recognize Mary and to read, sing and meditate on the Magnificat.

The Magnificat:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.

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 powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;

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

He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,

according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever."