Lk 1: 39-56: The Visitation

Mary set out at that time and went as quickly

as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. 

She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.

Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,

the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 

She gave a loud cry and said,

'Of all women you are the most blessed,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

Why should I be honored with a visit from

the mother of my Lord? 

Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears,

the child in my womb leapt for joy. 

Yes, blessed is she who believed that

the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.'

And Mary said:

'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;

because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant.

Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed,

for the Almighty has done great things for me.

Holy is his name,

and his faithful love extends age after age

to those who fear him. 

He has used the power of his arm,

he has routed the arrogant of heart. 

He has pulled down princes from their thrones

and raised high the lowly. 

He has filled the starving with good things,

sent the rich away empty. 

He has come to the help of Israel his servant,

mindful of his faithful love

according to the promise he made to our ancestors

of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.'

Mary stayed with her some three months

and then went home.

(Lk 1:39-56)