Thursday, May 31, 2018
TODAY'S REFLECTION - THURSDAY, 8TH WEEK - ORDINARY TIME
The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Zephaniah 3:14-18 or Romans 12:9-16/Psalm or Isaiah 12:2-6/ Luke 1:39-56
PROCLAIM THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD
Beloved, the Psalmist says, "How good, lovely, pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together as one" ( Psalm 133:1).The prophet Zephaniah encourages us to shout with joy, because, the Lord, the king of Israel is in our midst.
St. Paul in his letter to the Romans tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow. That we should treat everyone with equal kindness (Romans 12:9-16). How I wish brothers and sisters would live together with joy, solidarity and kindness. Friends, Our Blessed Virgin Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth in haste to help her. If we recall the story of the Annunciation, Elizabeth, an older woman was six months pregnant, while, Mary, a young lady was still in her first month of conception. The two mothers-to-be, met to share their experiences. At the sound of Mary's greetings, the child in Elizabeth's womb leapt for joy. Elizabeth called Mary Blessed. This encounter teaches us how friends and relatives should visit one another with joy. If I visit a family member or a friend now, will they be happy? This feast also teaches us that life begins at conception. So we should not be aborting pregnancies, no matter the number of months of pregnancy. Also the Blessed Virgin Mary deserves our honour and reverence. Not all, we should learn to share the goodness, blessings, greatness of God with our friends and relatives. Furthermore, we should always remember to visit, call, ask of or show some concern towards our friends and relatives. Whatever may be the reason why we don't visit, call or ask of a particular friend or relative, may our Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us. I propose that each and everyone of us should visit a friend or relative today and put a smile in his or her face. Let us pray for the grace to acknowledge the presence of our Lord in our midst and relate with one another more cordially. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa (0206854323/0240308878)