The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Year C - 14th August 2022
Gospel Luke 1: 39–56
Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ And Mary said:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit exults in God my saviour;
because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.
Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,
for the Almighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name,
and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.
He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart.
He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.
He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy – according to the promise he made to our ancestors –
of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’
Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.
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| The Visitation, Giotto di Bondone |
Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach
I take time in my preparations for prayer. I place before the Lord all the concerns that I have been carrying with me today.
Once I have settled myself for prayer, I slowly read through the Gospel passage as many times as I need.
I use my imagination to visualise Mary and Elizabeth greeting each other. What do I notice about their joyous meeting?
Can I recall a time when I have had a joyful encounter with a dear friend or family member?
Has there been a time in my own life when I have been anticipating a profound life-giving change?
When I recall those times, how do I feel?
How does God speak to me through such moments?
Perhaps I focus my prayer on Mary’s song of joy. I imagine praying these words with the young Mary. Which phrases bring me hope and joy today?
I share with the Lord how this time of prayer has touched me today, and close my prayer with my own words of thanks.
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