that the Lord’s word would come true!” And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my savior! He
has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his
Name! From age to age his mercy extends to those who live in his presence. He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered
the proud with their plans. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are downtrodden. He has filled the
hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He held out his hand to Israel, his servant, for he remembered his mercy, even
as he promised our fathers, Abraham and his descendants forever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.

Reflection:

READ: Mary without regard to self goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Their meeting
is joyful. Elizabeth is filled with happiness as she acknowledges her privilege of
being visited by the mother of her Lord. As matter of fact, the baby inside her womb
leaps for joy at this meeting. Then Mary sings her song of praise and thanksgiving
to God who was gracious to her, a lowly servant.

REFLECT: We celebrate today one of the Marian dogmas defined by the Church
as infallible teaching. Therefore, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary both
body and soul is a defined teaching of the Church. And it is not difficult to believe
that the Blessed Virgin received this gift from God. After all, she bore in her womb
the Son of God. When Elizabeth and the baby in her womb meet the pregnant Mary,
both rejoice at the blessed encounter. Specifically, Elizabeth asks how come that the
mother of her Lord will come to her. In here, Elizabeth specifically acknowledges the
privilege of Mary. And Mary did not shy from the acknowledgement of her cousin.
In her song of praise and thanksgiving, she reiterated her singular privilege but
clearly states that all these things happen because God has done all these great
things for her. God suffuses her being with all things from God. No wonder earth
could not hold her body. It assumed through the power of God because she was,
is and still is a willing vessel of God.

RESPOND: The Blessed Virgin is our singular boost to heaven. She showed us
what is in store for those who are faithful servants of God. Perhaps we can honor
her today in anyway we can. A prayer, visitation to her shrine or acts of mercy to
honor her are all fine.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021