(Zeph.3:14-18 or Rom.12:9-16; Is.12:2-6; Lk.1:39-56) "Sing praise to the Lord for His glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth." How can we capture the joy of this day? For here is the sign of our promised salvation; here we find the first apostolic act in Mary's bringing the Word of God, so recently conceived in her womb, to Elizabeth, and to her son John the Baptist. "Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel!" Zephaniah encourages the holy nation. And for what does Zion, and indeed the whole world, rejoice but that which we celebrate this day? Here in these simple, lowly women we find all of Israel rejoicing as she brings to birth her Savior. Yes, even now "the Lord, [her] God, is in [her] midst," even in her womb; and already He begins to bring salvation forth. Already we find a kind of first Pentecost as first, "Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: 'Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb'… and then Mary said: 'My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior?" And already the Baptist in the womb of his aged mother has been inspired by the presence of the Son of God; already he has "stirred in [her] womb for joy," just at the sound of Mary's voice touching the ears of his mother, even as Jesus is but days old in Mary's blessed womb. And how does all this joy come but through humility. "For He has looked upon His servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call [her] blessed." Yes, Mary is raised "to high places," is become the Mother of God, because of her great humility before Him. It is this lowliness she proclaims in her canticle today; it is this lowliness Elizabeth exudes when she asks, "Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" – and it is this same lowliness which is required of all the children of Israel, of all Abraham's descendants, if we are to know that "the Lord has removed the judgment against [us]," if we are to "shout with exultation" for "the Holy One of Israel" in our midst. Let us heed Paul's instruction to the Romans to "put away ambitious thoughts and associate with those who are lowly" that we might "rejoice with those who rejoice." As our holy women today, these models of faith, let us "look on the needs of the saints as [our] own" and "be generous in offering hospitality." "Be fervent in spirit; He whom you serve is the Lord." For it is He who comes under your roof this day. It is His holy name you should proclaim in all you do and say. And the blessing of salvation shall be upon you. Mother of God, bring to us this day our Savior, that we might rejoice with you in heaven. Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, you have looked upon us in our lowliness and sent your Son to dwell among us – may we praise you always for your glory! YHWH, let us praise your holy NAME this day, for you have come into our midst and raised us poor creatures from the dust to dwell with you in your Temple. Praise you, LORD! Visit us this day in your love, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. O LORD, make us humble and lowly as she who carries your Son to us, humble and lowly as Israel your Chosen one – humble and lowly as Jesus Himself. In Mary's womb with Him let us dwell and so hear your voice calling to our hearts through all she speaks unto our poor ears. In darkness we remain, in the cave of this world; but you bring us light and life – for such grace let us praise you! Dispel all fear from our hearts, LORD, at the sound of your Mother's voice, and so with her let us proclaim your greatness, and the salvation you have wrought in your mercy. We are nothing, nothing but simple souls waiting on your Word… Speak to us this day and awaken us to your glory, that our hearts might exult in your presence all our days. Mother of God, pray for your poor children.