Today's beautiful feast of Mary's visitation to cousin Elizabeth, as told in the Gospel of St. Luke, yields two marvelous prayers that most Catholics recognize. As Elizabeth catches a glimpse of young Mary coming to her we hear the following: "most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb". Elizabeth continues by calling Mary the "mother of my Lord." Luke 1:42-43.
These words from Scripture (probably a shock to those who still think we Catholics are not scriptural) are the basis for the Hail Mary.
Then Mary, responding to Elizabeth's greeting utters the beautiful prayer that is called Mary's canticle or the Magnificat. In Luke 1:46-55 we read the following:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.
Thought it important that on this particular feast day of Mary's visitation, we recall that both the Hail Mary and the Magnificat are in fact, Scriptural!
The real full Gospel Church: The Roman Catholic Church!
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