16 The Assumption

Gospel

Luke 1:39-56

The Almighty has done great things for me

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 leapt 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 princes 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.

Reflection

This passage beautifully captures the intersection of personal faith and divine intervention. Mary’s journey to Elizabeth is an act of selfless service, yet it becomes a moment of profound communal joy. Elizabeth’s recognition of Mary as the "mother of my Lord" highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. In response, Mary’s *Magnificat* shifts the focus from herself to God’s enduring mercy. She reminds us that God honors the humble and provides for the hungry, disrupting worldly hierarchies. Through her "yes," Mary becomes a vessel for a revolutionary love that seeks to uplift the lowly and fulfill ancient promises for all.

Reflection Question

Like Mary and Elizabeth, how can we cultivate a spirit of joy and service that recognizes God’s presence in the everyday encounters of our lives?

Prayer

Lord, give us the grace to respond to Your call with the haste and humility of Mary. May our souls join hers in proclaiming Your greatness, even in our lowliness. Help us to trust in Your promises and to be instruments of Your mercy, as we seek to fill the hungry with good things and honor Your holy name. Amen.

Comments

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