Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Month of May Dedicated to Our Lady and a “Marathon” of Prayer to End the Pandemic

Memorial Day

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 7:31-33

Mass: Zeph 3:14-18a or Rm 12:9-16; Resp Ps (Is 12); Lk 1:39-40

All generations will call me blessed.

MARY, WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE,

PRAY FOR US.

I like what Saint Bede the Venerable preached about Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat: "It is an excellent and fruitful custom of holy Church that we should sing Mary's hymn at the time of evening prayer. By meditating upon the incarnation, our devotion is kindled, and by remembering the example of God's Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the evening. We are weary after a day's work and worn out by our distractions. The time for rest is near, and our minds are ready for contemplation" (Office of Readings, May 31). 

On the other hand, Pope Francis has this to say: "If we forget the good, our hearts shrink. But if, like Mary, we remember the great things that the Lord does, if at least once a day we offer a short prayer of praise, our hearts will expand and our joy will increase" (Twitter, May 31, 2021).

Considering the wisdom of a great saint along with the wisdom of the Holy Father, then, at the time of evening prayer, and at various times throughout the day, join Mary, in haste, and let your soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord!

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 ...

(Lk 1:46-55)

SAINT JOSEPH,

MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Our Lady of the Redwoods for the first six years of the Redwoods foundation.

© Gertrude Feick 2021