There is nothing but joy in today's readings. There is the prospective joy of the two mothers to be, the Messianic joy promised to Zion and our own joy as we share in the joy contained in the words of the OT and the new. The alternative reading from St Paul is a definition of Christian acts and interaction with one another.  I don't think that St Paul was present at the Sermon  on the Mount but his letter contains the basis of that which has become in time Catholic Social teaching expounded in millions of words in thousands upon thousands of books. There is nothing more beautiful in any writing  than the Holy Spirit inspired paean of joy to our Creator by the bearer of His Son, that is the Magnificat. 

In these modern times, Jesus, true God and true man, was  in an embryonic state that would be  approved for termination of pregnancy. Lord what have done to thee?

Dear Lord send us your Holy Spirit that we can have the power to truly withstand the evils that we condemn but still allow to happen. Many are condemned but few change their ways. Help us Jesus.