luke 1: 46-55: the magnificat

The Magnificat (Latin for "[My soul] magnifies [the Lord]") is a canticle, also known as the Song of Mary, the Canticle of Mary and, in the Byzantine tradition, the Ode of the Theotokos (Greek: Ἡ ᾨδὴ τῆς Θεοτόκου). It is traditionally incorporated into the liturgical services of the Catholic Church (at vespers) and of the Eastern Orthodox churches (at the morning services). It is one of the eight most ancient Christian hymns and perhaps the earliest Marian hymn. Its name comes from the incipit of the Latin version of the canticle's text.

The text of the canticle is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke (1:46–55) where it is spoken by Mary upon the occasion of her Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. In the narrative, after Mary greets Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist, the latter moves within Elizabeth's womb. Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith (using words partially reflected in the Hail Mary), and Mary responds with what is now known as the Magnificat.

Within the whole of Christianity, the Magnificat is most frequently recited within the Liturgy of the Hours. In Western Christianity, the Magnificat is most often sung or recited during the main evening prayer service: Vespers in the Catholic and Lutheran churches, and Evening Prayer (or Evensong) in Anglicanism. In Eastern Christianity, the Magnificat is usually sung at Sunday Matins. Among Protestant groups, the Magnificat may also be sung during worship services, especially in the Advent season during which these verses are traditionally read.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnificat 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Domenico_ghirlandaio,_visitazione,_louvre_01.jpg

Domenico Ghirlandaio [Public domain]

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Magnificat_(Le_magnificat)_-_James_Tissot_-_overall_.jpg

James Tissot [Public domain]

"My soul magnifies the Lord. And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." 
Luke 1: 46-47



our souls are like a telescope. if we orient our souls correctly, towards God, then our soul magnifies God. we see God's greatness, sovereignty and majesty, wisdom and justice, mercy and love. we see the beauty of God's creation, including mankind.

if we don't orient our souls correctly, then it's like looking through the wrong end of a telescope. we can't see God's greatness and the beauty of God's creation. 

      faith 

                 hope 

                             love