Our Gospel Lesson comes from Luke 1:39-57

 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the

hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted

Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in

her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and

exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and

blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me,

that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the

sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And

blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what

was spoken to her by the Lord.”

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.

    Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,

    and holy is his name.

50 His mercy is for those who fear him

    from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm;

    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,

    and lifted up the lowly;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things,

    and sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

    in remembrance of his mercy,

55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,

    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to

her home.

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son.

THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD!