Gospel for 22 December: The Magnificat

Madonna of the Magnificat, Botticelli, 1480-81 (Web Gallery of Art)

Luke 1:46-56 (RSV Catholic Edition)

And Mary said, 

"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 will 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 for ever." 

And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. 

Latin

(present official Roman Catholic form):

Magnificat anima mea Dominum,

et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salvatore meo,

quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae.

Ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes,

quia fecit mihi magna,

qui potens est,

et sanctum nomen eius,

et misericordia eius in progenies et progenies

timentibus eum.

Fecit potentiam in brachio suo,

dispersit superbos mente cordis sui;

deposuit potentes de sede

et exaltavit humiles;

esurientes implevit bonis

et divites dimisit inanes.

Suscepit Israel puerum suum,

recordatus misericordiae,

sicut locutus est ad patres nostros,

Abraham et semini eius in saecula.

Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto,

sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper,

et in saecula saecolurom. Amen.