Monday, December 24, 2007

Joy

From Luke 1:39-56 here:
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah,
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where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
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When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,
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cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
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And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord 14 should come to me?
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For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
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Blessed are you who believed 15 that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
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And Mary said: 16 "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
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my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
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For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
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The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
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His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.
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He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
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He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.
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The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.
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He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,
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according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
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Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

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