Friday, May 31, 2013

The Feast of the Visitation of Mary - May 31st

Today, May 31st, is the feast of the Visitation of Mary. We share with you the account from the Gospel of Luke, as it is quoted in our Aquinas Press Book LS004 Bible History for Catholics:
  
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

And Mary said:
     “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 
          my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 
     For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;
          behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. 
     The Mighty One has done great things for me,
          and holy is his name. 
     His mercy is from age to age
          to those who fear him. 
     He has shown might with his arm,
          dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. 
     He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones
          but lifted up the lowly. 
     The hungry he has filled with good things;
          the rich he has sent away empty. 
     He has helped Israel his servant,
          remembering his mercy, 
     according to his promise to our fathers,
          to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” 

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. 
     - Luke 1:39-56

While one could say much about this encounter, let us just reflect that this was the first visit of God Incarnate, as an embryo, to His people. And the power of this unborn child was so great that it caused another unborn child, John the Baptist, to leap for joy in his mother’s womb! Jesus, the Light of the world, reveals that human life is most definitely present and aware in utero


God wants to visit you and me as well today …perhaps hidden in the disguise of a family member, friend, co-worker, or customer. Will we recognize Him? Let’s be on the lookout! 

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