The Word of the Lord - 20

Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went in Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now 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 honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? From 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.' (Luke 1:39-45)



Now in holy celebration
Sing we of that Mother blest,
In whose flesh for men's salvation
God incarnate deigned to rest,
When a kindred salutation
Named in faith the mystic guest.

Lo, the advent Word confessing,
Spake for joy the voice yet dumb,
Through his mother's lips addressing
Her, of motherhood the sum,-
Bower of beauty, blest and blessing,
Crowned with fruit of Life to come.

'Whence,' she cried, at that fair meeting,
'Comes to me this great reward?
For when first I heard the greeting
Of the Mother of my Lord,
In my womb, the joy repeating,
Leapt my babe in sweet accord!'

Lo, at that glad commendation
Joy found voice in Mary's breast
While in holy exultation
She her Maker's power confest,
At whose word each generation
Now henceforward names her blest.

Triune Godhead, health supplying,
Ruler of eternity,
On the Fount of grace relying,
We uplift our hearts to thee,
Praying that in realms undying
We at one with Life may be. Amen.

Have a Happy Sunday!