The visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, May 31, 2024
Zep 3:14-18a; (Ps) Is 12:2-6; Lk 1:39-56
I love to hear or sing the song, the Magnificat, that wonderful prayer that Mary proclaims upon responding to Elizabeth’s greeting. It is a wonderful prayer and something I think we all should say every day. It brings peace to my soul when I hear it. It also brings to mind the humility we all must seek to find when praying to our Lord. Mary perfects it in that prayer, as she acclaims “The Almighty has done great things for me.”
How often do we make that proclamation, that God has done great things for me? If you are like me, probably not as often as we should. The other day, I was working in the yard. I noticed 3 or 4 turkeys hanging around. I thought, “Sorry guys, I have yard work to do. You’re going to have to leave.” The funny thing was, as I was working in the yard, they just moved from tree to tree, oblivious to what I was doing. They went about their business relying on God to provide for what they needed, not on me interrupting their life. I am sure they were singing, “The Almighty has done great things for me.”
I think that is partly what Mary was getting at, to place all our cares, needs, and worries at Jesus’s feet, and let Him guide us. And today, we celebrate her humility by her accepting who she was carrying in her womb. Even the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy at seeing her. What greater witness to the joy of life, than a child in the womb, reminding us of the sacredness of life and the greatness of the Lord. Mary trusted, from the very beginning, where she humbled herself to carry our savior.
We can all turn to Mary and use her life as a model of how we should live ours. One of humility and faith, knowing that God is in control, and we should trust Him in all things. Let us all proclaim every day: “Thank you Lord for all the good things in my life. My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon His lowly servant, and the Almighty has done great things for me. “
Saint James Catholic Church 