Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary    Gospel B

During those days 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?

          Mary has just been told that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and that her cousin, Elizabeth, was with child in her old age. Not thinking about herself, she goes quickly to minister to Elizabeth.

          What do you think her parents thought or what Joseph thought?

          Jesus in Mary’s worm ministered to John in Elizabeth’s womb. The presence of the Lord brings joy to John even in the womb. The fruit of joy is the work of the Holy Spirit.

          By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Elizabeth confirms to Mary what the Angel had revealed to her: Mary had conceived; the child is the Lord; Mary is blessed.

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believe that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

          Again Elizabeth is used by the Holy Spirit to affirm the faith and trust Mary had on hearing the word of God. She believed without seeing or feeling.        

 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

          Mary, on hearing this confirmation, rejoices in what God had and was doing in her life. How often do we rejoice in the workings of God in our lives?

          She accepts with humility and total surrender to God’s will in her life. She acknowledges the great mystery of God’s plan. She did not know that she indeed was a unique creation of God. She alone was conceived without original sin and has remained sinless to provide a proper vessel for the conception of the Messiah.

His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

          Mary recalls the greatness of God throughout salvation history: his mercy, his power, his providential care, his mighty deeds, his choice of Abraham and his descendants. 

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.

          Mary returns back to Nazareth to reveal to Joseph and her parents that she was with child. She trusted that God would guide her and them.

          Elizabeth’s delivery of a boy brought great wonder and joy among the people in the area. They interpreted this to be another sign of God’s mercy, as Mary had proclaimed.

          What stands out as you reflect on this passage?  What message is God revealing to you about his plan in your life?