unmeaning worldly ceremonies; but all was real expression of mutual joy. At the voice of Mary the eternal Word sanctified His precursor, purified him from original sin, enriched him with the gifts of grace and sanctity, endowed him with the use of reason, and made him sensible, even then, of the mystery of the Incarnation and his own happiness. — " For behold," exclaimed the enraptured Elizabeth, " as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy." (Luke i. 44.)
II. At the voice of Mary, " Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost." (Luke i, 41, 42.) She was endowed with the spirit of prophecy, " and cried out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." Learn hence, how beneficial is the mediation of the Virgin, by whose means the eternal Word wrought such admirable effects in the infant and his mother. Salute her in the spirit of Elizabeth; acknowledge and praise her excellence, arising from her divine maternity.
III. Consider those other words of Elizabeth: "Whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke i. 43.) The spirit of God always prompts humility, and humility attends all His gifts. Observe how by divine inspiration she styles her Mother of God, which the Church acknowledges as her chief title. Learn from the infant and his mother how you ought to entertain Christ in the Eucharist.
WEDNESDAY.
The Canticle "Magnificat."
After Elizabeth had uttered these praises, the blessed Virgin poured forth her sentiments of gratitude and hu-
