Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 7:31-34
Mass: Zephaniah 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16; Resp Ps (Is 12); Lk 1:39-56

Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; 
let this be known throughout all the earth.

What came through loud and clear early this morning at Vigils while the Abbess proclaimed today's Gospel was the first line of Mary's Magnificat: "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." Some ways to rejoice and show our gratitude for the abundant blessings, love, and mercy the Lord has shown to us are listed in one of the first readings for Mass today, the passage from St Paul's Letter to the Romans. Why not choose one to put into action today as we thank the Lord our God and extend his love and mercy to others:

Let love be sincere.

Hate what is evil; hold onto what is good.

Love one another with mutual affection.

Anticipate one another in showing honor.

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit.

SERVE THE LORD.

Rejoice in hope.

Endure in affliction.

Persevere in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones.

Exercise hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you.

Bless and do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice.

Weep with those who weep.

Have the same regard for one another.

Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly.

Do not be wise in your own estimation.

HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

SAINT ELIZABETH,

PRAY FOR US.

May the words of Mary's Magnificat be in our hearts and on our lips today!

NB. Today's photo of a delicate wild rose (Nootka rose).