The Gospel today continues the story of the Visitation from yesterday, when we read of the encounter of Mary and Elizabeth, Jesus and John. Today our attention is directed entirely to Mary's Magnificat, her encounter with God, the Almighty "who has done great things for me."

From a very definite perspective, Mary was the first disciple of Jesus and is therefore a model for us in our discipleship. Her Magnificat provides many insights for us into the way in which we might learn to be better disciples of Jesus. Let us take the opening words of her prayer: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." As a grace of God, our faith should be a source of great joy for us. If our faith does not make us joyful then we cannot really enter into the true spirit of Christmas, nor appreciate the joy and peace of Easter. At God's invitation, Mary undertook a tremendous mission, but it clearly was not a burdensome task but a source of great joy. Let us pray for the grace that our Christian faith enable us constantly to rejoice in God who is our saviour.