Saturday 24 May 2036

10Who can find a worthy woman?For her value is far above rubies.11The heart of her husband trusts in her.He shall have no lack of gain.12She does him good, and not harm,all the days of her life.13She seeks wool and flax,and works eagerly with her hands.· · · verses 14–18 are not read19She lays her hands to the distaff,and her hands hold the spindle.20She opens her arms to the poor;yes, she extends her hands to the needy.· · · verses 21–29 are not read30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain;but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.31Give her of the fruit of her hands!Let her works praise her in the gates!

18Ozias said to her,“Blessed are you, daughter,in the sight of the Most High God,above all the women upon the earth;and blessed is the Lord God,who created the heavens and the earth,who directed you to cut off the head of the prince of our enemies.

19For your hope will not depart from the heart of menthat remember the strength of God forever.

20May God turn these things to you for a perpetual praise,to visit you with good things,because you didn’t spare your life by reason of the affliction of our race,but prevented our ruin,walking a straight way before our God.”

And all the people said, “Amen! Amen!”

13Who is wise and understanding among you?Let him show by his good conductthat his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.14But if you have bitter jealousyand selfish ambition in your heart,don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth.15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above,but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.16For where jealousy and selfish ambition are,there is confusion and every evil deed.17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,then peaceful, gentle,reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits,without partiality,and without hypocrisy.18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

39Mary arose in those daysand went into the hill country with haste,into a city of Judah,40and entered into the house of Zachariasand greeted Elizabeth.41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,the baby leaped in her womb;and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.42She called out with a loud voice and said,“Blessed are you among women,and blessed is the fruit of your womb!43Why am I so favored,that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears,the baby leaped in my womb for joy!45Blessed is she who believed,for there will be a fulfillment of the thingswhich have been spoken to her from the Lord!”

46Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord.47My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,48for he has looked at the humble state of his servant.For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.49For he who is mighty has done great things for me.Holy is his name.50His mercy is for generations and generations on those who fear him.51He has shown strength with his arm.He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.52He has put down princes from their thrones,and has exalted the lowly.53He has filled the hungry with good things.He has sent the rich away empty.54He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,55as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and his offspring forever.”

56Mary stayed with her about three months,and then returned to her house.