Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 31, 2025

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture Text:  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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from Luke recounts Mary’s visit to Elizabeth after the annunciation. We hear of Elizabeth’s recognition of Mary’s role and of Jesus’ presence. And we hear Mary’s “Magnificat” – praise and thanksgiving to the LORD.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize Christ in others? Do I recognize what the LORD is trying to do in me, with me, and through me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we proclaim your greatness and we rejoice in You for your love for us that caused You to send your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to take His place among us as not only our brother but our redeemer. Send your Spirit to sensitize us to your will for us and to your presence to us. Grant that we may recognize Christ in one another and that we may open our minds, hearts, will, and souls to Christ, your beloved Son. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.