The Festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First reading

Isaiah 61.10,11

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Psalm

Psalm 45.10–17

Hear, O daughter; consider and incline your ear; forget your own people and your father's house.

So shall the king have pleasure in your beauty; he is your lord, so do him honour.

The people of Tyre shall bring you gifts; the richest of the people shall seek your favour. The king's daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is embroidered cloth of gold.

She shall be brought to the king in raiment of needlework; after her the virgins that are her companions.

With joy and gladness shall they be brought and enter into the palace of the king. 'Instead of your fathers you shall have sons, whom you shall make princes over all the land. 'I will make your name to be remembered through all generations; therefore shall the peoples praise you for ever and ever.'

Second reading

Galatians 4.4–7

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Gospel

Luke 1.46-55

And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God

my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.'

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