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THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY YEAR B - 14TH & 15TH AUGUST 2021
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REFLECTION Luke 1:39-56
It is interesting and comforting to hear the origins of a prayer we commonly use – the Hail Mary – in today’s Gospel. But why did Elizabeth use the words she did? How did she know about the child Mary was carrying? Mary’s pregnancy would not have been apparent at this early stage.
Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth with the knowledge that Mary was carrying a child, and that this child was the Son of God. Elizabeth’s joy in this incredible discovery, notwithstanding her own pregnancy, fairly leaps off the page!
What is also interesting is Mary’s humble reaction – she sees herself as merely a lowly servant. Of course, we know that Mary was completely devoted to God and therefore willing to take on this task of bringing Jesus into the world and raising him until he was old enough to carry out his ministry.
Mary didn’t see this as a burden – in fact she thought herself blessed to be chosen for this task. Mary’s absolute devotion to this task provides a wonderful example for us all in the present day.
