Episode 255: The Hail Mary, Magnificat, and Benedictus
Luke 1
A letter to Theophilus
1-4 Though many have written about the things we believe, as told by eyewitnesses, it seemed like a good idea for me, having a perfect understanding about everything from the very first, to write to you, Theophilus, so that you can know for sure that the things you've been taught are true.
An angel announces John the Baptist's birth
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there lived a priest name Zechariah and his wife Elisabeth.
6 They were both righteous people, who obeyed all of God's commandments perfectly.
7 But they had no children, because Elisabeth was barren, and now they were old.
8-13 One day, when Zechariah was burning incense in God's temple, an angel of God appeared to him and said,
Don't be afraid. Your prayer has been heard and Elisabeth will have a son. Call him John.
15 He'll be great in God's sight, won't drink alcohol, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost before he's even born
God strikes Zechariah dumb (for doubting the angel)
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I believe this. We are too old to have children.”
80 And the child grew strong in spirit, living in the desert until he appeared publicly in Israel.
A few more words about this episode
Theophilus (1:1)
No one knows who Theophilus was, but since the name means "God lover," it could be a generic name that refers to anyone who loves God.
As told by eyewitnesses (1:2)
The author was not, and did not claim to be, an eyewitness to any of the events he is writing about. He is using other written and aural accounts, which he claims can be traced to eyewitnesses.
It seemed good to me (1:3)
The author doesn't identify himself, and no one knows who he might have been. There are a few things that can be known about him, however. He was likely a well-educated, Greek-speaking, gentile Christian who lived outside of Palestine. He is also the author of the Acts of the Apostles.
You won't be able to speak until your son is born, because you didn't believe me. (1:20)
The angel Gabriel strikes Zechariah dumb for asking how Elisabeth would become pregnant. Mary was also skeptical, yet she received no punishment. Why was Zechariah punished but Mary was not?
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women. (1:28)
The angel Gabriel starts the Hail Mary; Elisabeth finishes the first part of the prayer in verse 42 by saying, "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, (Jesus)"
