Magnificat ‒ hymnem Matki ubogich

Abstract

Mary’s hymn recorded in Luke 1.47‒55 contains some themes transcending its historical context. One of these is the theme of humiliation and injustice inflicted on the poor and of God’s justice that they look for. Mary declares herself to be God’s lowly handmaid and shows how God’s justice is done in the history of salvation (v. 51‒53). Are the words about God’s just judgment to be taken as poetic turns of phrase, a reminder of the past, or a prophecy of a historical nature? The present article aims indirectly at answering this question. The first section elucidates the complex problem of poverty in the Old Testament and its special expression found in Mary’s words. Then arguments are adduced indicating the connection of the hymn with the circles of Yahweh’s poor. It is also stated that the hymn is a theological synthesis of the Old Testament themes of poverty and hope rooted in the saving action of Yahweh. The connection between the prediction of God’s justice (v. 51‒53) and the Old Testament prophecies of the Day of Yahweh indicates the proper way to interpret Mary’s words. They are a proclamation of the fulfilment of the prophecies of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ. Mary glorifies God for effecting salvation in her person and, in solidarity with all the poor expecting Yahweh’s justice, she proclaims to them the beginning of the Day of Yahweh with the incarnation of the Son of God in her womb.