Friday, May 30, 2014

 

Saturday Sixth Week of Easter

May 31, 2014
Saturday Sixth Week of Easter
[Feast, Visitation Of The Blessed Virgin Mary]

Zep 3: 14-18a or Rom 12: 9-16 / Is 12: 2-3, 4bcd, 5-6/ Lk 1: 39-56

Reading: Zep 3:14-18a
Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion; rejoice, O people of Israel! Sing joyfully with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem! Yahweh has lifted your sentence and has driven your enemies away. Yahweh, the King of Israel is with you; do not fear any misfortune. On that day they will say to Jerusalem: Do not be afraid nor let your hands tremble, for Yahweh your God is within you, Yahweh, saving warrior. He will jump for joy on seeing you, for he has revived his love. For you he will cry out with joy, as you do in the days of the Feast.   

Gospel: Luke 1: 39-56
Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, "You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord's word would come true!" And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my savior! He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name! From age to age his mercy extends to those who live in his presence. He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are downtrodden. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, for he remembered his mercy, even as he promised our fathers, Abraham and his descendants forever." Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.

Reflection:
     Did you know that the Canticle of Mary (or Song of Mary) is more popularly known as the Magnificat? Magnificat is a Latin term meaning "magnifies," specifically it is also a hymn.  Now, a hymn is literally a song of praise; and in this case, it is a song of praise to God as sung by Mary, our Blessed Mother. Then again what else is there about the Magnificat that is even worth mentioning? A quick overview consists of Mary praising our Lord and rejoicing in the Savior. It is a prayer of a lowly handmaiden who, by the grace of God, has exalted her so that people shall call her blessed thenceforth. It is a prayer where Mary extols the greatness of God's strength, mercy and great love for, not only his beloved handmaiden but also for all those who fear Him.
     So why do people sing the Song of Mary?  If you think about it, maybe it has something to do with the sincerity and the elation that Mary felt when she sang these words during her visit with Elizabeth. Maybe we have a need to feel that same elation and utter love for our God, and feel it in the very depths of our soul --- or in this case, in our spirit. 
     Consider the following: Have you ever felt such euphoric joy towards God that made you wanted to sing a praise song or two out loud? Have you ever wondered how you could become more Mary-like in your love and service to the Lord?  If not, where or how would you start to get to that point of making you want to break out into song for the Lord? Lastly, have you started?

Prayer Requests:
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn
... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary
... for families who are in need of healing
... for world peace and reconciliation

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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