Homily: Visitation of the Blessed Virgen Mary

Visitation of the Blessed Virgen Mary (Luke 1:39-56)

We read the Blessed Virgin Mary’s longest speech at Mass today. It seems appropriate that we end the month of May with this section of Luke’s Gospel on the Feast of the Visitation.

In the scriptures Mary says little. We do have her response to the angel Gabriel after the angel announces Jesus’ birth. It was her ascent to God’s plan. “Let it be done unto me as you say.” We also hear her speak in the Gospel of John as she instructs the servants at the wedding feast at Cana and says, “Do whatever he tells you to do.” After these early episodes in the life of Jesus Mary is silent.

The Canticle of Mary is often called the Magnificat. A canticle is a poetic piece of scripture. Three of them are used in the Liturgy of the Hours every day. In morning prayer, we use the Canticle of Zechariah. In this poem Zechariah reacts to the birth of John the Baptist. In night prayer we read the Canticle of Simeon. This poem shares Simeon’s joy and encountering the baby Jesus in the temple.

Mary’s Canticle is said each day during evening prayer. Mary reacts to the news that Elizabeth is and herself are both pregnant at the same time. Magnificat means magnification.

Mary says, “My soul does magnify the Lord.” This is an interesting choice of words. What could she mean. Perhaps she is saying that in her role as Jesus’ mother she will always seek, enhance and glorify the mission of Jesus.

She realizes that the child she bears is going to fulfill a great purpose in the world. She speaks of how the life of Jesus will turn the world upside down. The mighty will be cast down and the lowly will be lifted. Mary wants to cooperate with God’s plan in every way.

Reflection Questions:

1.    What is my greatest challenge as I try to cooperate with God’s plan? Do I find joy in this challenge?

2.   Does my attitude magnify the Lord’s presence in the world? How might I do that?

 Dear Parishioners,

           We are continuing to run into difficulty getting hospital information. Consequently, we never know who is seriously ill. We cannot visit parishioners in the hospital if we do not know they are there.

          One of the corporal works of mercy is to visit the sick. Fr. Matthew and I also would like to anoint those who are sick. Please call us if you have information about a friend or relative who is in the hospital.

          We talked to the people who manage our internet today. They said that churches are primary targets for scams. The scammers harvest phone numbers, names and emails from church websites and they try to obtain money from unsuspecting people.

          If anyone contacts you claiming to be on our church staff asking for emergency funding, please do not give them money. Call our office if you are in doubt.       

          May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

          Fr. Mark