5 Reflections on Mary's Song for AdventSample

Will I be like Mary, lifted up to be blessed forever? It feels too good to be true. How can I be sure? How can I face a fragile future with confidence?

Mary has an answer for us, or at least the hint of an answer. She reminds us that Israel was called to be the servant of the Lord: “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful” (v. 54). The nation of Israel was called to be the servant of God, but Israel failed in that calling. Instead of making the ways of the Lord known to the nations, she followed the ways of the nations. Instead of being a light, she was enveloped in their darkness. Instead of glorifying God, she defamed his name.

So Isaiah promised a coming Servant of the Lord: one who would both fulfil Israel’s calling and reverse Israel’s failure (Isaiah 42:1-7). So when Mary sings, “He has helped his servant”, she’s talking about Israel, but she’s also talking about Jesus himself. Jesus is the promised Servant: the one who would restore Israel and be the servant that Israel was meant to be (Matthew 12:15-21). Jesus embodies the fortunes of his people. He is our representative—the people of God all wrapped up in one person.

Use the Magnificat to reflect:

He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,

to remember his promise of mercy,

The promise made to our ancestors,

to Abraham and his children for ever.