Gospel

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, “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, and 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 forever.”

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel reading tells us the beautiful story of the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. This encounter is a testament to the power of faith, the joy of praise, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Mary, filled with faith and trust in God's word, sets out on a journey to visit Elizabeth, who is also blessed with a miraculous pregnancy. As soon as Mary greets Elizabeth, the infant in her womb leaps for joy, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth's response is a beautiful expression of praise and recognition of Mary's blessedness. She calls Mary "blessed among women" and recognizes the fruit of her womb as her Lord. Elizabeth's words are a testament to her own faith and her understanding of God's plan.

Mary's response is equally beautiful. Her Magnificat, a song of praise, proclaims the greatness of the Lord and rejoices in God her Savior. She recognizes God's favor and mercy towards her, a lowly servant, and acknowledges the mighty works of God.

This encounter between Mary and Elizabeth teaches us valuable lessons. Firstly, it shows us the importance of faith and trust in God's word. Mary and Elizabeth both believed in God's promises, and their faith was rewarded.

Secondly, it highlights the power of praise and thanksgiving. Mary's Magnificat is a beautiful expression of praise, and it inspires us to lift our hearts and voices to God in thanksgiving.

Thirdly, it reminds us of God's mercy and favor towards the lowly and humble. Mary, a young and humble servant, was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth, an elderly and barren woman, was blessed with a miraculous pregnancy.

Finally, it shows us the importance of community and support. Mary and Elizabeth supported and encouraged each other in their faith, and their encounter is a testament to the power of women supporting women in their walk with God.

As we reflect on this Gospel reading, let us ask ourselves:

- Do we trust in God's word and promises like Mary and Elizabeth?

- Do we praise and thank God for His mercy and favor towards us?

- Do we recognize God's mighty works in our lives and in the world around us?

- Do we support and encourage one another in our faith journey?

May Mary's Magnificat be our prayer today, and may we, like Mary and Elizabeth, be filled with faith, joy, and praise as we walk with God. Amen.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We come before you today with hearts full of joy and praise, inspired by the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. We thank you for the powerful example of faith and trust in your word that they demonstrated.

Lord, help us to believe in your promises like Mary and Elizabeth, and may our faith be rewarded. May we always remember the power of praise and thanksgiving, and may our hearts be lifted to you in joy and gratitude.

We thank you for your mercy and favor towards us, especially towards those who are lowly and humble. May we recognize your mighty works in our lives and in the world around us, and may we always acknowledge your greatness.

Bless us with community and support, just as Mary and Elizabeth supported and encouraged each other in their faith. May we be a source of strength and inspiration to one another, and may our walk with you be filled with faith, joy, and praise.

May Mary's Magnificat be our prayer today and every day, and may we always proclaim your greatness and rejoice in you, our Savior.

We ask this in Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

Additional prayer requests:

- For faith and trust in God's word

- For the power of praise and thanksgiving

- For recognition of God's mercy and favor

- For community and support in our faith journey

- For the inspiration of Mary's Magnificat in our daily lives

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ