In honor of St. Mary’s fast, we’ve delved into the Song of St. Mary (Luke 1:46-55). Firstly, we discussed humility by focusing on vv. 46-48 and then discussed God’s mercy using verses 49 and 50. This week, we will be focusing on Luke 1:51-52. In these couple of verses, St. Mary is praising God’s strength and power.
In Luke 1:51, St. Mary says “He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.” In his commentary on Luke 1, St. Cyril of Alexandria notes “by the proud, Mary means the wicked demons who with their prince fell through pride: and the Greek sages, who refused to receive the folly, as it seemed, of what was preached: and the Jews who would not believe and were scattered for their unworthy imaginations about the Word of God.” Time and time again, God has shown that He scatters the proud and reminds us of the importance of having the fear of God.
St. Mary then says in Luke 1:52 “He has brought down the mighty from their throne and exalted those of humble estate.” St. Cyril of Alexandria points out two groups as the “mighty.” First are the Jews as they were God’s chosen people. After all, it was the Jews who were the ones given the Promised Land. However, when Jesus Christ came, many Gentiles believed in His Message. And as a result, they have become exalted. These “mighty” also refer to demons and the powers of the enemy. Through His crucifixion, He conquered death and granted humankind the gift of Eternal Life.
In these two verses, St. Mary highlights God’s power and might. Through looking at what happened to those who were in opposition to God, may we always continue to remember to live in fear of God.
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