Mary’s whole self, her soul and body, mind and spirit, is involved in this incarnational event and in the performance of this song of praise. In verse 46, Mary’s soul magnifies the Lord. ‘The soul is the actual centre of human life, the principle of individuality, and the seat of those impressions which are of an essentially personal character.’ And Mary’s soul ‘communicates through the two organs with which it is endowed, the spirit and the body, with two worlds, - the one above, the other below it, - with the divine world and the world of nature.’ Mary’s soul sings in her spirit and sings in her body. ‘When the human spirit is referred to in Scripture, the word indicates the deepest part of our humanity, the point of contact between man and God.’ Mary invests her whole self in this message. Her soul is given God bigger and bigger space in her life. Her mind is praising, remembering, hoping, waiting. Her spirit is humble and submissive. And her body is nourshing an unborn child.
Motherhood, an act and way of life requiring a healthy and whole self, requiring soul, body, mind, and spirit, is glorified in God’s good will. It is an instrument in the angelic celebration and anticipation of the arrival of Jesus the Christ. Motherhood is the resonating chamber that brings the sound of grace and salvation into the room.
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