Thus the instructions over overshadowing, the power of the Most High.
Overshadowing/ episkiazo, harken to the transfiguration Lk 9:34 and tent of meeting Exod 40:35
Mary is a fulcrum is some ways. Given to her. Her reason never clouded from original sin. Zechariah had that burden. Revealing moment of her immaculate conception.
Beauty so many layers, like an onion, greater understanding.
Comparison between Zechariah and also to Elizabeth’s belief.
A sign given, the pregnancy of Elizabeth, Mary’s fiat, and hastening to aid her kinswoman.
Her fiat corresponds to Her Son’s yes to the Father Heb 10:7 “Behold I come to do your will.”
Village of Ain Karim hill country near Jerusalem traditional site for the house of Zechariah & Elizabeth, 90, miles from Nazareth.
On hearing Mary’s voice, John leaps within his mother’s womb, echoing Gen 25:22 the once barren Rachel, pregnant with twins Esau and Jacob, and how the younger Jacob would rule the older Esau. John as precursor, will serve Jesus His Lord (v1:43).
Mary’s exalted status comes from her belief and trust in God v1:45
Luke within a few verses has introduced Jesus’ divinity as Son of God, Jesus as Lord kyrios YHWH in Hebrew, and Mary’s motherhood as Theotokos God bearer (Council Ephesus 431AD)
Mary as the ark of the covenant 2 Sam 6:9 goes to the region of Judah, Luke uses the tribal name instead of Judea 1:65 highlighting the story of the ark’s journey with David. David danced for joy before the ark as does John. Mary remains for 3 months as did the ark.
Mary is a true ark of the Covenant, the dwelling place of God with men.
Mary then gives the first Lukan canticle, the Magnificat first word of the Latin translation
Mary’s song announces the great reversal that is unfolding, God is raising up the lowly pointing to the beatitudes of Lk 6:20-26 with the woes
Divide the Magnificat into two strophes
Mary’s personal blessings Lk 1:46-50, His handmaid v48
&
Israel’s blessing Lk 1:51-55, His servant v54
Hebrew poetry, Hannah’s canticle of Samuel (1 Sam 2:1-10)
This is just a smattering of the richness found in the Magnificat, dear friends avail yourself of it often!
Practical Application & Exhortation
– Angelus
– Amen app for daily, brief reflections
– Liturgy of the Hours, Canticles of Zechariah & Magnificat
-Pre-read the Scriptures before hearing them during Holy Mass
– Don’t substitute other commentaries, though helpful, for your own personal instruction
Addendum
An excellent study guide for the Gospel of Matthew is Holy People, Holy Land: A Theological Introduction to the Bible by Michael Dauphinais and Matthew Levering (pages 137-165). The entire book is a short overview of Salvation History.
The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.
https://www.learnreligions.com/saint-andrew-christmas-novena-542608
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