The Magnificat

Today’s Advent Gospel reading is a favorite of many, it is known as The Canticle of Mary or Magnificat . . . the song she at the time of The Visitation, when she went to visit Elizabeth.

Mary said:

My soul proclaims your greatness, O God,
and my spirit rejoices in you, my Savior.
For you have looked with favor upon your lowly servant,
and from this day forward all generations will call me blessed.
For you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,
and Holy is your Name.
Your mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear you.
You have shown strength with your arm,
you have scattered the proud in their conceit,
you have deposed the mighty from their thrones
and raised the lowly to high places.
You have filled the hungry with good things,
while you have sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the aid of Israel your servant,
mindful of your mercy- the promise you made to our ancestors
to Sarah and Abraham and their descendants forever.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.

(translation is from The Inclusive New Testament)