31 May
Sat
Visitation of the BVM
Zep.3:14-18 or Rom. 12:9-16b
(R. Ps.) Is. 12:2-6
Lk. 1:39-56
(Psalter Saint Week II)
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Today we celebrate the lovely occasion when the mother of Jesus went to visit the mother of John the Baptist. As Mary and Jesus approached, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leapt for joy. He was aware of the presence of His Lord. Elizabeth, too, is also very aware and she expresses surprise that the Mother of her Lord should come to visit her. She clearly felt it should have been the other way round, even though Mary was by far the younger woman. "Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?" Here, even before the birth of Jesus, we have a hint of what is to come. As Jesus will say much later during His public life: "I have come to serve and not to be served." Mary, too, sings her famous song, which we know as the Magnificat, from the first word of its Latin version. In it she praises God for recognising her, "his lowly handmaid" and for pulling down "princes from their thrones and filling the hungry with good things". This will be the mission of Jesus. And it is our mission, too.



May we too, Lord, have that same spirit of service and concern for the needy which filled Your life.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That children in difficulty and those who devote themselves to their care, may find in Mary, Mother of life, constant support and help.
Elaboration

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