Mary's Song

As Mary, the mother of Jesus, was contemplating news of her pregnancy, she paid a visit to her relative Elizabeth, who was also pregnant with John, to be known as John the Baptist.

Luke tells us in his first chapter that, after a wonderful visit in which Elizabeth and Mary embrace and the elderly Elizabeth gives Mary a wonderful blessing, Mary sings this song known as Mary's song:

Mary's Song
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.



We don't really know Mary's age, but I find the words of this song to be well beyond the maturity of her likely age of 16 to 22. Mary is very concerned about what? With those things Jesus will be concerned with - social justice; caring for the poor; and food for the hungry.

Did Mary teach Jesus his ministry? Possibly so, but Mary was clearly concerned for a her community and ALL of it's people at an early age.