The lengthy quote from Jesus’ mother was recorded in St. Luke’s Gospel: a hymn of praise to God, inspired by her encounter with her kinswoman St. Elizabeth.
“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.” —The Blessed Virgin Mary, Luke 1:46–55. When I consider myself honest, which category in Our Lady’s hymn am I more likely to fit: those who are proud, mighty, rich? Or those who fear God, those who are lowly, those who are hungry?
Blessed Mother of my Lord, help me to humble myself before God so that he can lift me up again in mercy. Teach me by your example to hunger for righteousness, so that I can be filled.
