Blessed Are You

 

Luke 1: 39-56

Mary Visits Elizabeth

³⁹ At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, ⁴⁰ where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ⁴³ But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song

⁴⁶ And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

⁵⁶ Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

.We celebrate Mary's Assumption into heaven  with one of the early scenes in her life: her visit to her cousin, Elizabeth. Her Magnificat, her song  of praise, gives glory and praise to God; as Mary recognizes her lowliness and the marvels that God has worked in the hearts of those who have believed in him and have done his bidding. Mary stands as our example as we attempt to live his will for us.  And for many of us Marists, this was the perfect day to take on our Marist identity by accepting the religious habit of the Marist Brothers and a year later pronouncing our First Vows. Three of us continue to wear that habit we took 61 years ago, and pray that we might remain faithful to the vows we made 60 years ago, as well as pray that others might accept the invitation to do the same. Fr. Champagnat often said, "We need Brothers", and put his trust in Mary to provide them,  She never failed  With joy, we celebrate her day and pray that we might, along with many new brothers,  continue to live our own Magnificat by making Jesus known and loved.

Bro. Rene