"The Magnificat" -- by James Tissot |
FIRST
READING: 1 Samuel
1: 24 - 28
24
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a
three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine; and she
brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh; and the child was
young.
25
Then they slew the bull, and they brought the child to Eli.
26
And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman
who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD.
27
For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me my petition
which I made to him.
28
Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is
lent to the LORD." And they worshiped the LORD there.
PSALM:
1 Samuel 2:
1, 4 - 8
1
Hannah also prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my
strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because
I rejoice in thy salvation.
4
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength.
5
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those
who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
6
The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises
up.
7
The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts.
8
He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash
heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For
the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and on them he has set the
world.
GOSPEL:
Luke 1:
46 - 56
46
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,
47
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48
for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold,
henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
49
for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his
name.
50
And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.
51
He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the
imagination of their hearts,
52
he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of
low degree;
53
he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent
empty away.
54
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
55
as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for
ever."
56
And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her
home.