The Praise of the Virgin Mary
The lecture focuses on the Praise of the Virgin Mary as a unique expression of deep faith, true humility, and joy in salvation, marking the beginning of the work of the Holy Spirit in the plan of salvation at the dawn of the New Testament.
1️⃣ A Grace-Filled Encounter
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the wondrous meeting between the Virgin Mary and Saint Elizabeth as a meeting that brought together old age and barrenness on one side, and virginity and divine election on the other, revealing God’s unlimited work.
2️⃣ The Work of the Holy Spirit
He clarifies that the mere greeting of the Virgin caused Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and John the Baptist to leap with joy while still in the womb, announcing the beginning of the era of grace and reconciliation.
3️⃣ Faith and Humility
Both women shared deep humility and true faith. Elizabeth praised the Virgin, while the Virgin immediately redirected all praise to God without attributing anything to herself.
4️⃣ The Virgin’s Praise
The Virgin’s praise is considered the last praise in the Old Testament and the first in the New Testament. It represents the highest level of prayer because it is pure glorification of God without any personal request.
5️⃣ “My soul magnifies the Lord”
The praise begins with complete focus on God—His power, holiness, justice, and mercy—and the Virgin declares her need for salvation by saying: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
6️⃣ The Language of Scripture
The praise reflects deep familiarity with Holy Scripture, as the Virgin used biblical expressions and prophecies, revealing a life nourished by the Word of God.
7️⃣ True Humility
His Holiness emphasizes that humility means knowing one’s true self before God, as shown in the lives of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and Christ Himself.
8️⃣ Joy in Salvation
The message concludes by affirming that life with God is not constant sorrow but sacred joy, and that the Virgin’s praise calls us to glorify God with continual inner joy.
