Luke 1:39-42,46,53-56 NRSVue

³⁹In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, ⁴⁰where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit ⁴²and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

⁴⁶And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

⁵³he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. ⁵⁴He has come to the aid of his child Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, ⁵⁵according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

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

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
When the two mothers-to-be meet, John while in the womb of Elizabeth recognises Jesus in the womb of Mary and leaps for joy. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth declares Mary to be the most blessed of women. Mary’s response is to sing God’s praises in words that echo those of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. We can ponder, like Mary, on the richness of this passage.

Reflection
Mary, show us how to gain some of your serenity, your total acceptance of God’s will for your life. Mary was totally open to God. Intercede for us with your Son that we too may find the courage to say ‘Let it be done unto me according to Your will’.