Blessings abound in today’s readings. Just try reading the first reading from Zephaniah 3 and not feel blessed. I suspect your reaction will be, “Thank you, Lord!”
The Gospel reading today is the story of the Visitation from Luke 1. Mary goes to visit her pregnant, and much older, relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, talks about Mary using the word blessed. Her first sentence is very familiar to Catholics, as it is part of the Hail Mary. “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” She also says, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Mary, of course, knew she was blessed. But I’m sure an exuberant reminder was welcome. I suspect you know that you are blessed, too. But just in case you sometimes question, let me give you an exuberant reminder. YOU ARE BLESSED!! God has been so good to you, and that trend will continue through your life. Recognize it, embrace it, and thank God for your many blessings today!
Father, we thank you for blessings us so richly. Help us to always recognize and acknowledge those blessings. Amen.
If you’re a Seize the Day listener, after today I will be off for the rest of the year. Know that you’ll be daily in my prayers.
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