TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
31 MAY, 2025
Luke 1:39-56
Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”
And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.”
Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Mary visits Elizabeth, and their encounter is filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth recognizes the divine nature of Mary’s child, and Mary responds with a song of praise—The Magnificat. This song is a profound declaration of God’s mercy, justice, and faithfulness. It reflects Mary’s humility and deep trust in God, who lifts the lowly and fulfills His promises. Her words challenge us to remember that God often works through the humble and the unexpected, and that His mercy extends to those who fear Him across generations.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I am filled with awe at the faith and humility of Mary, who praised You even in uncertainty. Teach me to trust in Your promises and to magnify You in my daily life. Like Mary, may I rejoice in Your mercy and find confidence in Your power to lift the lowly and the hungry. Let my soul proclaim Your greatness and my spirit rejoice in You, my Savior. Amen
