magnify

The Letter to the Philippians 1:20 (NABRE) contains Paul’s powerful comment that Christ will be magnified in his own (Paul’s) body. Interestingly, this statement shares a word in common with Mary’s Magnificat in the Gospel According to Luke 1:46–55 (NABRE), though it can be easy to miss the comparison depending on the version of the Magnificat with which you are familiar.

In the opening line of the Magnificat, the Greek word that’s translated as “proclaim the greatness” is μεγαλύνω (megaluno). This word is a verb form of the Greek adjective μέγας (megas), which means big. The word megaluno, then, refers to making something bigger, and as a result, the secondary meaning of “praise” or “exalt” comes about. The Revised Standard Version Catholic Editions (RSVCE and RSV2CE) translate the beginning of the Magnificat as “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Paul is advocating this same concept.

How is it, do you think, that any Christian can go about making God greater? What do you suppose both Mary and Paul are suggesting is happening? How do you in your daily life as a Christian magnify God? How might you do so more?

related topics: favor with God; grace; greatly troubled

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