Luke 1:46-50, 53-54
The responsorial for this third week of Advent comes from The Magnificat, Mary’s famous hymn of praise in which she joyfully exclaims the transformative power of God and the fulfillment of his promises through the impending birth of Jesus.
The Magnificat (named for the prayer’s first word in Latin) is considered one of the most significant and beautiful hymns in the Christian tradition. It has strong parallels in the victory hymns of Miriam (Exodus 15:1-18), Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10), and Judith (Judith 16:1-17).
Sunday Readings 