morning prayer for them fest of the visitation

asalmes

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05-12-2024

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A Morning Prayer for the Feast of the Visitation

Introduction: The Feast of the Visitation, celebrated on May 31st, commemorates the encounter between Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. This joyous meeting, filled with the Holy Spirit, serves as a powerful example of faith, humility, and the profound interconnectedness of God's plan. This morning prayer offers a reflection on this sacred event and invites us to embrace its lessons in our own lives.

Reflecting on the Visitation

The Visitation wasn't just a casual visit between cousins. It was a pivotal moment in salvation history. Mary, humble servant of God, journeys to visit Elizabeth, who is miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. The encounter is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the leaping of John in Elizabeth's womb.

Luke 1:41-45 describes the scene beautifully: "When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby 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 child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? For the moment you greeted me, the baby leaped in my womb for joy."

This passage reveals several key themes for our reflection:

• The Power of Faith: Both Mary and Elizabeth demonstrate unwavering faith in God's plan. Their belief in the miraculous is palpable.
• Humility and Service: Mary, despite her own blessed state, travels to serve Elizabeth, showing selfless love and humility.
• The Joy of the Gospel: The leaping of John and Elizabeth's joyful exclamation point to the overwhelming joy that accompanies God's presence.
• The Interconnectedness of God's Plan: The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth foreshadows the interconnectedness of Jesus and John's ministries.

A Morning Prayer for the Feast of the Visitation

Lord God, as we begin this day on the Feast of the Visitation, we thank you for the gift of Mary's humble obedience and Elizabeth's profound faith. Their encounter reminds us of the power of your love and the joy found in serving others.

We ask for the grace to emulate their example. May we be open to your Holy Spirit, allowing it to guide us in all that we do. Help us to approach each day with the same faith and humility as Mary, always ready to serve our neighbors with a compassionate heart.

May the joy of the Gospel fill our hearts and illuminate our actions. Help us to recognize the interconnectedness of all creation, and to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us.

Grant us the courage to journey towards others, offering our help and support. May we be instruments of your peace and love in the world.

We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Further Reflection and Action

After your morning prayer, consider these questions for further reflection:

• Who in your life can you visit today, offering a word of encouragement or support?
• How can you show more humility in your daily interactions?
• What joy have you experienced lately that reminds you of God's presence?

The Feast of the Visitation is a call to action. It's an invitation to embrace faith, humility, and the joy of serving others. Let us strive to live these virtues daily, reflecting the grace and love demonstrated in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth.