Information about the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary[1]
Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Zep 3:14-18a
This reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah is part of a hymn of joy sung by the remnant restored to Zion. It comes at the end of the oracle as the faithful worship God their savior.
Or Rom 12:9-16
St. Paul gives a litany of instructions to those who wish to remain faithful to Christ’s teachings. Placed on the Feast of the Visitation we see the attributes St. Paul calls for manifested in purest form in the Mary, the Mother of God.
Responsorial Psalm Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
This canticle from the Prophet Isaiah emphasizes the peace and confidence of his servant in the salvation of God.
Gospel Lk 1:39-56
The Gospel selection from St. Luke gives us the story of Mary’s journey from Nazareth, over the mountains to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also with child. Elizabeth’s greeting gives us substance for the “Hail Mary” and Mary’s response is the great Canticle of Mary which exemplifies her faith and faithfulness, appropriate for the Mother of Jesus who is the Christ.
Reflection:
Every evening those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours join millions around the world in remembering the words of Mary, the mother of Jesus and the example of faith to which the whole Church aspires. When we pray the Canticle of Mary each evening prayer the first words, as we make the sign of the cross, seem to fill us up; "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord."
We can feel her emotion as we say; "My spirit rejoices in God my savior." And feel the truth of: "He has looked with favor on his lowly servant." Perhaps because I have memorized it or perhaps because I recite it each day, it has become one of my favorite pieces of Holy Scripture.
And on this day when we celebrate the first meeting of Jesus and John the Baptist (that is the baby in Elizabeth’s womb) we see already in Mary her perfect obedience to Gods will. Notice the purity of it. It is not subjugation; she maintains her individual humanity in all its sweetness. But it is the selflessness that allows her to give genuine thanks and praise to her almighty Father; "He has shown the strength of his arm..." and it does not sound like pious prattle as we hear from some (sometimes it feels like those words are too big) but sincere gratitude and praise.
If we could echo the faith of Mary our Mother, we would find that in-dwelling peace Jesus came to give us.. And we would find that glorious serenity that places all of the cares and sorrows of our world in the hands of God and lets our spirits soar.
Ah, but that is hard. Mary graced with a character so pure of sin that even original sin never spoiled that exemplar of Gods love and fidelity, was given a special place and grace that her cousin Elizabeth cried out; "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
What can we do? All that we have found that gets us close is that marvelous Canticle. We look forward to it each day and find ourselves praying the first few lines during the day when we feel the work we have accomplished is indeed to the greater glory of God. And there is a reason Elizabeth’s words begin the most common prayer of our faith; "Hail Mary, full of grace.." The words bring us comfort and remind us of the beauty of obedience and sincere worship.
Today we celebrate the gift God gave us in the example of Mary, Theotokos, the Mother of God whose perfect act of love and obedience gave us our Savior.
Pax
Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Zep 3:14-18a
This reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah is part of a hymn of joy sung by the remnant restored to Zion. It comes at the end of the oracle as the faithful worship God their savior.
Or Rom 12:9-16
St. Paul gives a litany of instructions to those who wish to remain faithful to Christ’s teachings. Placed on the Feast of the Visitation we see the attributes St. Paul calls for manifested in purest form in the Mary, the Mother of God.
Responsorial Psalm Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
This canticle from the Prophet Isaiah emphasizes the peace and confidence of his servant in the salvation of God.
Gospel Lk 1:39-56
The Gospel selection from St. Luke gives us the story of Mary’s journey from Nazareth, over the mountains to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also with child. Elizabeth’s greeting gives us substance for the “Hail Mary” and Mary’s response is the great Canticle of Mary which exemplifies her faith and faithfulness, appropriate for the Mother of Jesus who is the Christ.
Reflection:
Every evening those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours join millions around the world in remembering the words of Mary, the mother of Jesus and the example of faith to which the whole Church aspires. When we pray the Canticle of Mary each evening prayer the first words, as we make the sign of the cross, seem to fill us up; "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord."
We can feel her emotion as we say; "My spirit rejoices in God my savior." And feel the truth of: "He has looked with favor on his lowly servant." Perhaps because I have memorized it or perhaps because I recite it each day, it has become one of my favorite pieces of Holy Scripture.
And on this day when we celebrate the first meeting of Jesus and John the Baptist (that is the baby in Elizabeth’s womb) we see already in Mary her perfect obedience to Gods will. Notice the purity of it. It is not subjugation; she maintains her individual humanity in all its sweetness. But it is the selflessness that allows her to give genuine thanks and praise to her almighty Father; "He has shown the strength of his arm..." and it does not sound like pious prattle as we hear from some (sometimes it feels like those words are too big) but sincere gratitude and praise.
If we could echo the faith of Mary our Mother, we would find that in-dwelling peace Jesus came to give us.. And we would find that glorious serenity that places all of the cares and sorrows of our world in the hands of God and lets our spirits soar.
Ah, but that is hard. Mary graced with a character so pure of sin that even original sin never spoiled that exemplar of Gods love and fidelity, was given a special place and grace that her cousin Elizabeth cried out; "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
What can we do? All that we have found that gets us close is that marvelous Canticle. We look forward to it each day and find ourselves praying the first few lines during the day when we feel the work we have accomplished is indeed to the greater glory of God. And there is a reason Elizabeth’s words begin the most common prayer of our faith; "Hail Mary, full of grace.." The words bring us comfort and remind us of the beauty of obedience and sincere worship.
Today we celebrate the gift God gave us in the example of Mary, Theotokos, the Mother of God whose perfect act of love and obedience gave us our Savior.
Pax
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