Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We remember that time when Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. The first reading can be taken either from the Prophet Zephaniah or Romans 12. Do yourself a favor and read them both! The Gospel reading is the story of the Visitation from Luke 1.
Have you ever said the Hail, Mary? Many people don’t know that the first part of that prayer is actually taken directly from Scripture. We start with the words of the archangel Gabriel from Luke 1:28, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” The second line is taken from today’s Gospel reading, Luke 1:42, the words of Elizabeth, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
How did Elizabeth know about Mary’s pregnancy? The Scriptures don’t say, but as the old adage suggests, “news travels fast.” Elizabeth is a great example to us. Jesus said to His disciples, “Blessed is he who has not seen but believes.” Elizabeth had not even seen Mary, but believed that she was carrying the Son of God. Her son, John, certainly confirmed this. Let’s pray that we can show that same faith and trust that Elizabeth showed in acknowledging Christ.
Father, we thank you for blessed St. Elizabeth, and her example of faith. Remove any doubt that we may have, as we allow Jesus and His Mother into our lives. Amen.
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