The Annunciation of Grace: Unveiling Luke 1 through Coptic Eyes

Executive Summary

Luke 1, The Annunciation of Grace, stands as a cornerstone of the Gospel, revealing God’s profound intervention in human history through the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. This chapter illuminates the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the dawn of a new covenant. We explore the context of priestly service in the Temple, the barrenness of Elizabeth and the virginal purity of Mary, highlighting the divine initiative in both conceptions. Through the angel Gabriel’s pronouncements, we witness the foreshadowing of Christ’s salvific mission and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This examination, steeped in Coptic Orthodox tradition, underscores the significance of faith, obedience, and the boundless grace of God. The practical implications for contemporary Christians include a renewed understanding of prayer, humility, and the transformative power of divine encounter. We see how God prepares the way through John, and ultimately, the Incarnation, the cornerstone of our salvation.

Luke chapter one sets the stage for the entire New Testament, acting as a prelude to the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. It paints a picture of expectation and divine preparation, where the ordinary is touched by the extraordinary. Our journey into Luke 1 will delve into its historical setting, its spiritual significance, and its profound impact on the lives of those who encounter its message. We will see how the grace of God permeates every aspect of this narrative, shaping not only the destiny of individuals but also the course of human history.

Commentary Sections

Luke 1:1-4 – Prologue: The Purpose of the Gospel

Ἐπειδήπερ πολλοὶ ἐπεχείρησαν ἀνατάξασθαι διήγησιν περὶ τῶν πεπληροφορημένων ἐν ἡμῖν πραγμάτων, καθὼς παρέδοσαν ἡμῖν οἱ ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς αὐτόπται καὶ ὑπηρέται γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου, ἔδοξε κἀμοὶ παρηκολουθηκότι ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀκριβῶς καθεξῆς σοι γράψαι, κράτιστε Θεόφιλε, ἵνα ἐπιγνῶς περὶ ὧν κατηχήθης λόγων τὴν ἀσφάλειαν. (Greek)
KJV: Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. (Luke 1:1-4 KJV)

Luke begins by stating his purpose: to provide Theophilus, and by extension, all believers, with a secure and orderly account of the events surrounding Jesus. This is not merely historical documentation but a careful and deliberate presentation of the gospel message. Luke, as a physician and companion of Paul, emphasizes the reliability and truthfulness of his account. The word “ἀσφάλειαν” (asphaleian) signifies certainty and firmness, highlighting the solid foundation of the Christian faith.

Patristic Insight: St. Irenaeus, in *Against Heresies* (III.14.1), affirms Luke’s authority: “Luke also, the follower of Paul, set down in a book the Gospel preached by him.” This underscores the importance of the apostolic tradition in understanding the Gospels.

Spiritual Application: We are called to base our faith on a firm foundation of truth, diligently seeking to understand and live out the teachings of Christ. Like Theophilus, we must strive for certainty in our beliefs, not relying on hearsay but engaging with the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.

Luke 1:5-7 – The Priesthood of Zacharias and Elizabeth’s Barrenness

Ἐγένετο ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου, βασιλέως τῆς Ἰουδαίας, ἱερεύς τις ὀνόματι Ζαχαρίας ἐξ ἐφημερίας Ἀβιά, καὶ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν θυγατέρων Ἀαρών, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῆς Ἐλισάβετ. ἦσαν δὲ δίκαιοι ἀμφότεροι ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, πορευόμενοι ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἐντολαῖς καὶ δικαιώμασιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἀμέμπτως. καὶ οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τέκνον, καθότι ἦν ἡ Ἐλισάβετ στεῖρα, καὶ ἀμφότεροι προβεβηκότες ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῶν ἦσαν. (Greek)
KJV: There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. (Luke 1:5-7 KJV)

The narrative begins with Zacharias, a priest of the order of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. Their righteousness is emphasized, yet they are childless, a source of societal stigma in their time. This barrenness, however, sets the stage for God’s miraculous intervention. The reference to Herod places the story within a specific historical context, underscoring the tension between Roman rule and Jewish expectations of a messiah. The fact that they are both “well stricken in years” highlights the unlikelihood of them having a child, making the eventual conception of John all the more remarkable.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Luke, emphasizes the piety of Zacharias and Elizabeth, seeing their righteousness as a prerequisite for their role in God’s plan. He notes that their faith was tested by their barrenness, yet they remained faithful to God.

Spiritual Application: We can learn from Zacharias and Elizabeth the importance of unwavering faith and obedience to God, even in the face of hardship and disappointment. Their example encourages us to trust in God’s timing and to remain steadfast in our devotion, knowing that He can work miracles in our lives, even when circumstances seem impossible. Embrace the website design services to share your story with the world.

Luke 1:8-13 – Gabriel’s Announcement to Zacharias

Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ ἱερατεύειν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ τάξει τῆς ἐφημερίας αὐτοῦ ἔναντι τοῦ Θεοῦ, κατὰ τὸ ἔθος τῆς ἱερατείας ἔλαχε τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι εἰσελθὼν εἰς τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Κυρίου, καὶ πᾶν τὸ πλῆθος τοῦ λαοῦ ἦν προσευχόμενον ἔξω τῇ ὥρᾳ τοῦ θυμιάματος. ὤφθη δὲ αὐτῷ ἄγγελος Κυρίου ἑστὼς ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τοῦ θυμιάματος. καὶ ἐταράχθη Ζαχαρίας ἰδὼν καὶ φόβος ἐπέπεσεν ἐπ’ αὐτόν. εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ ἄγγελος· μὴ φοβοῦ, Ζαχαρία, διότι εἰσηκούσθη ἡ δέησίς σου, καὶ ἡ γυνή σου Ἐλισάβετ γεννήσει υἱόν σοι, καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰωάννην. (Greek)
KJV: And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (Luke 1:8-13 KJV)

Zacharias is chosen by lot to burn incense in the Temple, a rare and significant honor. During this sacred duty, the angel Gabriel appears to him, standing on the right side of the altar. This is a powerful symbol of divine favor. The angel announces that Elizabeth will bear a son, John, and that his prayer has been heard. Zacharias’s initial reaction is one of fear and disbelief, highlighting the overwhelming nature of this divine encounter.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Luke, notes the significance of the angel appearing on the right side of the altar, symbolizing the righteousness and favor of God. He also points out that Zacharias’s prayer, though perhaps unspoken, was known to God.

Spiritual Application: This passage reminds us that God hears our prayers, even those we may not voice explicitly. It also teaches us that God’s timing is perfect, and He often answers our prayers in ways we do not expect. We should approach God with reverence and humility, being open to His will and trusting in His divine plan.

Luke 1:14-17 – The Mission of John the Baptist

καὶ ἔσται χαρά σοι καὶ ἀγαλλίασις, καὶ πολλοὶ ἐπὶ τῇ γενέσει αὐτοῦ χαρήσονται· ἔσται γὰρ μέγας ἐνώπιον Κυρίου, καὶ οἶνον καὶ σίκερα οὐ μὴ πίῃ, καὶ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου πλησθήσεται ἔτι ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ πολλοὺς τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραὴλ ἐπιστρέψει ἐπὶ Κύριον τὸν Θεὸν αὐτῶν· καὶ αὐτὸς προελεύσεται ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ἐν πνεύματι καὶ δυνάμει Ἠλίου, ἐπιστρέψαι καρδίας πατέρων ἐπὶ τέκνα καὶ ἀπειθεῖς ἐν φρονήσει δικαίων, ἑτοιμάσαι Κυρίῳ λαὸν κατεσκευασμένον. (Greek)
KJV: And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:14-17 KJV)

The angel reveals the purpose of John’s life: to be a prophet who prepares the way for the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, abstaining from strong drink, and turning many Israelites back to God. He will come in the spirit and power of Elijah, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi (Malachi 4:5-6). This passage emphasizes the unique and divinely ordained mission of John the Baptist.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa, in his writings, highlights the significance of John’s ascetic lifestyle, seeing it as a reflection of his dedication to God and his role as a forerunner of Christ. He emphasizes that John’s greatness lies not in worldly power but in his spiritual virtue.

Spiritual Application: We are called to embrace our own unique roles in God’s plan, using our gifts and talents to serve Him and to prepare others for His coming. Like John the Baptist, we should strive to live lives of integrity and dedication, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us to fulfill our purpose.

Luke 1:18-25 – Zacharias’s Doubt and Its Consequences

καὶ εἶπεν Ζαχαρίας πρὸς τὸν ἄγγελον· κατὰ τί γνώσομαι τοῦτο; ἐγὼ γάρ εἰμι πρεσβύτης καὶ ἡ γυνή μου προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτῆς. καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ ἄγγελος εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἐγώ εἰμι Γαβριὴλ ὁ παρεστηκὼς ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἀπεστάλην λαλῆσαι πρός σε καὶ εὐαγγελίσασθαί σοι ταῦτα. καὶ ἰδοὺ ἔσῃ σιωπῶν καὶ μὴ δυνάμενος λαλῆσαι ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας γένηται ταῦτα, ἀνθ’ ὧν οὐκ ἐπίστευσας τοῖς λόγοις μου, οἵτινες πληρωθήσονται εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν. καὶ ἦν ὁ λαὸς προσδοκῶν τὸν Ζαχαρίαν, καὶ ἐθαύμαζον ἐν τῷ χρονίζειν αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ ναῷ. ἐξελθὼν δὲ οὐκ ἐδύνατο λαλῆσαι αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν ὅτι ὀπτασίαν ἑώρακεν ἐν τῷ ναῷ· καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν διανεύων αὐτοῖς καὶ διέμενεν κωφός. καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τῆς λειτουργίας αὐτοῦ, ἀπῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ. μετὰ δὲ ταύτας τὰς ἡμέρας συνέλαβεν Ἐλισάβετ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ, καὶ περιέκρυβεν ἑαυτὴν μῆνας πέντε λέγουσα· ὅτι οὕτως μοι πεποίηκεν ὁ Κύριος ἐν ἡμέραις αἷς ἐπεῖδεν ἀφελεῖν τὸ ὄνειδός μου ἐν ἀνθρώποις. (Greek)
KJV: And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. (Luke 1:18-25 KJV)

Zacharias’s doubt is met with a temporary punishment of muteness. Gabriel identifies himself clearly, emphasizing his authority as a messenger of God. Zacharias’s inability to speak serves as a sign to the people and as a personal reminder of the power of God’s word. Elizabeth conceals herself for five months, rejoicing in God’s favor and the removal of her societal shame.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine, in his *Sermons*, reflects on Zacharias’s doubt, noting that it is a common human weakness. However, he also emphasizes God’s mercy and His willingness to work through imperfect individuals.

Spiritual Application: This passage teaches us the importance of faith and trust in God’s promises. Doubt can hinder our ability to receive God’s blessings and to fulfill His purpose in our lives. We must strive to overcome our doubts through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Even when we stumble, God’s grace is sufficient to bring about His will.

Luke 1:26-38 – The Annunciation to Mary

Ἐν δὲ τῷ μηνὶ τῷ ἕκτῳ ἀπεστάλη ὁ ἄγγελος Γαβριὴλ ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰς πόλιν τῆς Γαλιλαίας ᾗ ὄνομα Ναζαρέτ, πρὸς παρθένον ἐμνηστευμένην ἀνδρὶ ᾧ ὄνομα Ἰωσὴφ ἐξ οἴκου Δαυίδ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τῆς παρθένου Μαριάμ. καὶ εἰσελθὼν πρὸς αὐτὴν εἶπεν· χαῖρε, κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξίν. ἡ δὲ ἰδοῦσα διεταράχθη ἐπὶ τῷ λόγῳ αὐτοῦ καὶ διελογίζετο ποταπὸς εἴη ὁ ἀσπασμὸς οὗτος. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ ἄγγελος αὐτῇ· μὴ φοβοῦ, Μαριάμ, εὗρες γὰρ χάριν παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ. καὶ ἰδοὺ συλλήμψῃ ἐν γαστρὶ καὶ τέξῃ υἱόν, καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν. οὗτος ἔσται μέγας καὶ υἱὸς Ὑψίστου κληθήσεται, καὶ δώσει αὐτῷ Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς τὸν θρόνον Δαυὶδ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ βασιλεύσει ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Ἰακὼβ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔσται τέλος. εἶπεν δὲ Μαριὰμ πρὸς τὸν ἄγγελον· πῶς ἔσται τοῦτο, ἐπεὶ ἄνδρα οὐ γινώσκω; καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ ἄγγελος εἶπεν αὐτῇ· Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἐπελεύσεται ἐπὶ σέ, καὶ δύναμις Ὑψίστου ἐπισκιάσει σοι· διὸ καὶ τὸ γεννώμενον ἅγιον κληθήσεται υἱὸς Θεοῦ. καὶ ἰδοὺ Ἐλισάβετ ἡ συγγενίς σου καὶ αὐτὴ συνείληφεν υἱὸν ἐν γήρει αὐτῆς, καὶ οὗτος μὴν ἕκτος ἐστὶν αὐτῇ τῇ καλουμένῃ στείρᾳ· ὅτι οὐκ ἀδυνατήσει παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ πᾶν ῥῆμα. εἶπεν δὲ Μαριάμ· ἰδοὺ ἡ δούλη Κυρίου, γένοιτό μοι κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου. καὶ ἀπῆλθεν ἀπ’ αὐτῆς ὁ ἄγγελος. (Greek)
KJV: And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38 KJV)

This section recounts the Annunciation, the central event in Christian theology. Gabriel appears to Mary in Nazareth, a town in Galilee, a region often looked down upon by Judeans. He declares that she, a virgin, will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who will be the Son of the Most High and will reign forever. Mary’s question, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” reveals her virginity and her desire to understand God’s will. The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. Mary’s response, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word,” exemplifies perfect faith and submission to God’s will. This “fiat” is crucial in Coptic Orthodox understanding of the Incarnation. The angel’s reference to Elizabeth’s conception further affirms God’s power and the impossibility of nothing with Him.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in his *On the Incarnation*, emphasizes the crucial role of Mary’s virginity in the Incarnation. He argues that only through a pure and spotless virgin could God become incarnate without being tainted by sin. He writes of the Theotokos (Θεοτόκος), the God-bearer, solidifying Mary’s place of high honor.

Spiritual Application: Mary’s example teaches us the importance of humility, faith, and obedience to God’s will. We should strive to cultivate a spirit of openness and receptivity to God’s leading, trusting that He knows what is best for us. Like Mary, we are called to be instruments of God’s grace, allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His purposes in the world.

Luke 1:39-56 – Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth and the Magnificat

Ἀναστᾶσα δὲ Μαριὰμ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις ἐπορεύθη εἰς τὴν ὀρεινὴν μετὰ σπουδῆς εἰς πόλιν Ἰούδα, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον Ζαχαρίου καὶ ἠσπάσατο τὴν Ἐλισάβετ. καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἤκουσεν ἡ Ἐλισάβετ τὸν ἀσπασμὸν τῆς Μαρίας, ἐσκίρτησεν τὸ βρέφος ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ αὐτῆς, καὶ ἐπλήσθη Ἐλισάβετ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, καὶ ἀνεφώνησεν κραυγῇ μεγάλῃ καὶ εἶπεν· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξὶν καὶ εὐλογημένος ὁ καρπὸς τῆς κοιλίας σου. καὶ πόθεν μοι τοῦτο ἵνα ἔλθῃ ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Κυρίου μου πρός με; ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὡς ἐγένετο ἡ φωνὴ τοῦ ἀσπασμοῦ σου εἰς τὰ ὦτά μου, ἐσκίρτησεν τὸ βρέφος ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ μου. καὶ μακαρία ἡ πιστεύσασα ὅτι ἔσται τελείωσις τοῖς λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ Κυρίου. καὶ εἶπεν Μαριάμ· μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον, καὶ ἠγαλλίασεν τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ τῷ σωτῆρί μου, ὅτι ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν τῆς δούλης αὐτοῦ· ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν μακαριοῦσίν με πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί, ὅτι ἐποίησέν μοι μεγάλα ὁ δυνατός, καὶ ἅγιον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γενεὰς τοῖς φοβουμένοις αὐτόν. ἐποίησεν κράτος ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, διεσκόρπισεν ὑπερηφάνους διανοίᾳ καρδίας αὐτῶν· καθεῖλεν δυνάστας ἀπὸ θρόνων καὶ ὕψωσεν ταπεινούς, πεινῶντας ἐνέπλησεν ἀγαθῶν καὶ πλουτοῦντας ἐξαπέστειλεν κενούς. ἀντελάβετο Ἰσραὴλ παιδὸς αὐτοῦ, μνησθῆναι ἐλέους, καθὼς ἐλάλησεν πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν, τῷ Ἀβραὰμ καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. ἔμεινεν δὲ Μαριὰμ σὺν αὐτῇ ὡς μῆνας τρεῖς, καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτῆς. (Greek)
KJV: And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, as Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. (Luke 1:39-56 KJV)

Mary visits Elizabeth, and the encounter is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb, recognizing the presence of the Messiah. Elizabeth blesses Mary and the fruit of her womb, acknowledging Mary as the mother of the Lord. Mary responds with the Magnificat, a powerful hymn of praise that echoes the Old Testament Psalms and proclaims God’s mercy, justice, and faithfulness to His covenant. The Magnificat emphasizes God’s preferential option for the poor and humble. Mary stays with Elizabeth for about three months, likely until shortly before John’s birth.

Patristic Insight: St. Ambrose, in his commentary on Luke, emphasizes the prophetic nature of Elizabeth’s words and the humility of Mary. He sees the Magnificat as a testament to Mary’s deep faith and her understanding of God’s plan of salvation.

Spiritual Application: This passage calls us to recognize and celebrate the presence of Christ in our lives and in the world around us. We should imitate Mary’s humility and her willingness to serve God, and we should strive to emulate her faith and her trust in God’s promises. The Magnificat reminds us to advocate for justice and to care for the poor and oppressed, knowing that God’s heart is with them.

Luke 1:57-66 – The Birth and Naming of John the Baptist

Τῇ δὲ Ἐλισάβετ ἐπλήσθη ὁ χρόνος τοῦ τεκεῖν αὐτήν, καὶ ἐγέννησεν υἱόν. καὶ ἤκουσαν οἱ περίοικοι καὶ οἱ συγγενεῖς αὐτῆς ὅτι ἐμεγάλυνεν Κύριος τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτῆς, καὶ συνεχάιρον αὐτῇ. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ ὀγδόῃ ἦλθον περιτεμεῖν τὸ παιδίον, καὶ ἐκάλουν αὐτὸ ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ζαχαρίαν. καὶ ἀποκριθεῖσα ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ εἶπεν· οὐχί, ἀλλὰ κληθήσεται Ἰωάννης. καὶ εἶπαν πρὸς αὐτήν· ὅτι οὐδείς ἐστιν ἐν τῇ συγγενείᾳ σου ὃς καλεῖται τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ. ἐνένευον δὲ τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ τὸ τί ἂν θέλοι καλεῖσθαι αὐτόν. καὶ αἰτήσας πινακίδιον ἔγραψεν λέγων· Ἰωάννης ἐστὶν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. καὶ ἐθαύμασαν πάντες. ἀνεῴχθη δὲ τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ παραχρῆμα καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐλάλει εὐλογῶν τὸν Θεόν. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐπὶ πάντας φόβος τοὺς περιοικοῦντας αὐτούς, καὶ ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ὀρεινῇ τῆς Ἰουδαίας διελαλεῖτο πάντα τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα, καὶ ἔθεντο πάντες οἱ ἀκούσαντες ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῶν λέγοντες· τί ἄρα τὸ παιδίον τοῦτο ἔσται; καὶ γὰρ χεὶρ Κυρίου ἦν μετ’ αὐτοῦ. (Greek)
KJV: Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. (Luke 1:57-66 KJV)

Elizabeth gives birth to John, and her neighbors rejoice with her. On the eighth day, the day of circumcision, they intend to name him Zacharias after his father. However, Elizabeth insists that he be named John, as the angel commanded. When Zacharias confirms this in writing, his speech is restored, and he praises God. This event causes great awe and wonder among the people, who recognize the hand of the Lord upon John.

Patristic Insight: Origen, in his commentary on Luke, highlights the significance of the name “John,” which means “God is gracious.” He sees this as a reflection of God’s mercy and His plan of salvation for humanity.

Spiritual Application: This passage teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the power of His word. It also reminds us that God’s grace is available to all who seek Him, and that He can work miracles in our lives, even in the most unexpected ways. We should strive to live lives that reflect God’s grace and to share His love with others.

Luke 1:67-79 – Zacharias’ Prophecy (Benedictus)

Καὶ Ζαχαρίας ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος Ἁγίου καὶ ἐπροφήτευσεν λέγων· εὐλογητὸς Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο καὶ ἐποίησεν λύτρωσιν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἤγειρεν κέρας σωτηρίας ἡμῖν ἐν οἴκῳ Δαυὶδ τοῦ παιδὸς αὐτοῦ, καθὼς ἐλάλησεν διὰ στόματος τῶν ἁγίων ἀπ’ αἰῶνος προφητῶν αὐτοῦ, σωτηρίαν ἐξ ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν καὶ ἐκ χειρὸς πάντων τῶν μισούντων ἡμᾶς, ποιῆσαι ἔλεος μετὰ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν καὶ μνησθῆναι διαθήκης ἁγίας αὐτοῦ, ὅρκον ὃν ὤμοσεν πρὸς Ἀβραὰμ τὸν πατέρα ἡμῶν, τοῦ δοῦναι ἡμῖν ἀφόβως ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ῥυσθέντας λατρεύειν αὐτῷ ἐν ὁσιότητι καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ πάσαις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἡμῶν. καὶ σύ, παιδίον, προφήτης Ὑψίστου κληθήσῃ, προπορεύσῃ γὰρ πρὸ προσώπου Κυρίου ἑτοιμάσαι ὁδοὺς αὐτοῦ, τοῦ δοῦναι γνῶσιν σωτηρίας τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ ἐν ἀφέσει ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν, διὰ σπλάγχνα ἐλέους Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, ἐν οἷς ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶ