MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 15 AUGUST
August 15, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT STEPHEN OF HUNGARY, KING – 16th AUGUST
August 16, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
15 AUGUST, 2025
Luke 1:39-56
At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is a meeting overflowing with joy, faith, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth recognizes the divine significance of Mary’s child, and John the Baptist responds with a leap of joy even before his birth. Mary’s song, the Magnificat, reveals a heart deeply aware of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and power. She acknowledges her lowly position yet celebrates the mighty deeds of God who lifts the humble and fills the hungry. This passage reminds us that when we open our hearts to God’s promises, His Spirit fills us with joy and our lives become testimonies of His grace.
PRAYER
Lord God, You are mighty and merciful, and You remember Your promises to Your people. Give me the faith of Mary to believe without hesitation, and the joy of Elizabeth to welcome Your presence with gladness. May my heart magnify You in all circumstances, and my life be a witness to Your saving love. Fill me with Your Spirit, so that I may share Your mercy with the humble and Your hope with the hungry. Amen
