Mary's Way Of The Cross - Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

As they threw Jesus on the cross, he willingly allowed himself to be nailed. As they punctured his hands and his feet I felt the pain in my heart. Then they lifted up the cross. There he was, my son, whom I love so much, being scorned as he struggled for the last few moments of earthly life. But I knew this had to be, so I stood by and prayed silently.

Prayer:

Lord, what pain you endured for me. And what pain your mother went through, seeing her only son die for love of me! Yet, both you and she are ready to forgive me as soon as I repent of my sin. Help me, Lord, to turn away from my sinfulness.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

With my son finally relieved of the weight of the cross, I thought he would have a chance to rest. But the guards immediately started to rip his clothes off his blood-clotted skin. The sight of my son in such pain was unbearable. Yet, since I knew this had to be, I stood by and cried silently.

Prayer:

Lord, in my own way I too have stripped you. I have taken away the good name of another by foolish talk, and have stripped people of human dignity by my prejudice. Jesus, there are so many ways I have offended you through the hurt I have caused others. Help me to see you in all people.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

This fall of Jesus was agony to me. Not only had he fallen on the rocky ground again, but now he was almost at the top of the hill of crucifixion. The soldiers screamed at him and abused him, almost dragging him the last few steps. My heart pounded as I imagined what they would do to him next. But, I knew this had to be, so I climbed the hill silently behind him.

Prayer:

My loving Jesus, I know that many times I have offered my hand to help people but when it became inconvenient or painful to me I left them, making excuses for myself. Help me, Lord, to be like your mother, Mary, and never take my supporting hand away from those who need it.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

I was walking a few steps behind Jesus when I saw him stop. Some women were there crying for him and pitying him. He told them not to shed tears for him. They had the opportunity to accept him as the messiah; like many others, they rejected him instead. He told them to shed tears for themselves, tears that would bring their conversion. They did not see the connection between that and his walk to death. I did, and as he walked on, I followed silently.

Prayer:

My savior, many times have I acted like these women, always seeing the faults in others and pitying them. Yet, very rarely have I seen my own sinfulness and asked your pardon. Lord, you have taught me through these women. Forgive me, Lord, for my blindness.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

Again my son fell, and again my grief was overwhelming at the thought that he might die. I started to move toward him, but the soldiers prevented me. He rose and stumbled ahead slowly. Seeing my son fall, get up again, and continue on, was bitter anguish to me. But, since I knew this had to be, I walked on silently.

Prayer:

Lord, of all people Mary was your most faithful follower, never stopping in spite of all the pain she felt for you. I have many times turned away from you by my sins and have caused others to turn away from you. I beg you to have mercy on me.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

As I continued close by Jesus, a woman pushed past the guards, took off her veil and began to wipe my son's sweating, bloody face. The guards immediately pulled her back. Her face seemed to say, "Why are you doing this to him?" I knew, so I walked on in faith, silently.

Prayer:

Lord, this woman gave you the best she could. On the other hand, I have wanted to take more than I give. So many opportunities arise every day for me to give to you by giving to others ----- but I pass them by. My savior, never let me ask why again, but help me to give all I have to you.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

I could now see almost complete helplessness on the face of my son as he tried to carry his heavy load. Each step looked as if it would be his last. I felt his every pain in my heart and I wanted the whole thing to end. Then I noticed some commotion near Jesus. The guards had pulled a protesting man from the crowd. They forced him to pick up the back of the cross to help lighten my son's load. He asked the guards why this had to be. I knew, and so followed silently.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I have many times refused to help you. I have been a selfish person who has often questioned your word. Don't let me remain like Simon, but help me to be like your mother, Mary, who always silently followed and obeyed.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Grieving Mother

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

I had managed to break through the crowd and was walking side by side with my son. I called to him through the shouting voices. He stopped. Our eyes met, mine full of tears of anguish, his full of pain and confusion. I felt helpless; then his eyes said to me, "Courage! There is a purpose for this." As he stumbled on, I knew he was right. So I followed and prayed silently.


Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive me the many times our eyes met and I turned mine away. Forgive me the times things did not go my way and I let everyone know about it. Forgive me the times I brooded over little inconveniences or became discouraged and did not heed your call to courage! Yes, Lord, our eyes have met many times, but fruitlessly.


Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way Of The Cross - The Third Station - Jesus Falls The First Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

I followed close behind my son as he stumbled toward Calvary. Nothing had ever hurt me more than to see him in such pain. I saw the cross digging into his shoulders. My heart dropped when I saw him fall face to the ground, the heavy cross landing squarely on his back. For a moment I thought my beloved son was dead. Now my whole body began to tremble. Then the guards kicked him. He rose slowly and began to walk again, yet they still whipped him. I wanted to protect him with my own body. But, I knew this had to be, so I walked on and wept silently.

Prayer:

Lord, how often have I seen you fall, and , unlike Mary, have left you there without concern? How often have I seen people make mistakes and laughed at them? How often do I find myself getting angry when someone does things differently than I? Mary offered you her support through your entire passion. Help me to do the same for you by the support I give to others. Lord, have mercy on me.

Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...

Mary's Way of the Cross - Jesus takes His Cross

Jesus Takes His Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You because by Your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

Regaining a little strength, I walked with the crowds to the entrance of the square. A door flew open and my son stumbled out, the guards laughing behind him. Two men dragged over a heavy wooden cross and dropped it on his shoulders. Then they shoved him down the road. My pain for him was unbearable. I wanted to take the cross from him and carry it myself. But I knew this had to be, so I walked on silently.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I beg you to forgive me for the many times I have added more weight to your cross by closing my eyes to the pain and loneliness of my neighbor. Forgive me for gossiping about others and for always trying to find excuses to avoid certain people who wish to talk with me. Help me to be like Mary, always seeking to lighten the crosses of others. Forgive me, Jesus.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

PRAYER IN HONOUR OF THE SORROWS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Most holy and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, you stood beneath the cross, witnessing the agony of your dying Son. Look with a mother's tenderness and pity on me, who kneel before you. I venerate your sorrows and I place my requests with filial confidence in the sanctuary of your wounded heart. Present them, I beseech you, on my behalf to Jesus Christ, through the merits of His own most sacred passion and death, together with your sufferings at the foot of the cross. Through the united efficacy of both, obtain the granting of my petition. To whom shall I have recourse in my wants and miseries if not to you, Mother of Mercy? You have drunk so deeply of the chalice of your Son, you can compassionate our sorrows. Holy Mather, your soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of your Divine Son. Intercede for me and obtain for me from our Lord.

(State your intentions here.....)

For His honor and glory, and for my good. Amen.

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Mary's Way Of The Cross - The First Station- Jesus is Condemned to Death

Jesus Is Condemned To Die

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You because by Your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Meditation:

It was early Friday morning when I saw my son. That was the first glimpse I had of him since they took him away. His bruised and bleeding skin sent a sword of pain deep into my heart and tears down my cheeks. Then Pilate, from his chair of judgment, asked the crowd why they wanted my son executed. All around me they shouted, "Crucify him!" I wanted to plead with them to stop, but I knew this had to be. So I stood by and cried silently.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, it is hard for me to imagine the anguish your mother felt at your condemnation. But what about today, when I hold a grudge ...? "Crucify him!" When I judge others...? "Crucify him!" Doesn't this bring tears of anguish to both you and your mother? Forgive me, Jesus.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

Joseph and I came to Bethlehem because there was a decree that all should go to their ancestral town to be registered. In obedience, Joseph and I went. God even used the oppression of the Roman government to bring about your salvation: because in this time of oppression, my Son, your Savior, was born. We looked for a place but there was no room in the inn: the town was so full. What was offered us was a stable not too far from where the shepherds were guarding their flock. It was soon that my Son was born: that the King of Kings would be born a pauper. It was soon that the very Word would be made flesh. Joseph left me in the stable and went outside for a while thinking that he was not worthy to be present at such a great miracle. While he was thinking, the moment came when my Son was introduced to the world. Because of the immensity of Love that the Lord had filled me with, I felt no pain at His birth. There was pure joy at the coming of my Son. I held Him in my arms: He was the very Savior of the world. A while later, Joseph came in, he saw me with the Child and he was also filled with wondrous joy. As some time past, the shepherds that were near the stable also came. They knew about the birth of my Son: the angels had told them. Heaven was rejoicing at the birth of my Son.

My children, look upon the greatness of your Lord Who has loved you so much as to come down to show the immensity of His Love for you. Show your immensity of love for Him: be humble, be grateful for what you have, be it little or great, and whatever you do have, use it in a way that will give pleasure to my Son. See the face of my Son in those in need, those in want, and respond in love to Him. Pray to the Heavenly Father in this mystery for the gift of simplicity and for the woes of the poor and I will pray with you. I will ask the Father to give you the grace to be generous with those less fortunate.

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Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

September 8

This feast is a commemoration of that happy and joyful day on whIch the ever-blessed vIrgin Mother of God first saw the light of day. The Church accordingly sings on this day,

"Thy nativity, virgin Mother of God, has brought joy to the whole world; for from thee has come forth the Sun of justice, Christ the Lord, Who putting away cursing bestowed blessing, and by overcoming death obtained for us life eternal."

In the Introit of the Mass the Church sings:

"Hail, holy parent, who as a happy mother brought forth the King Who rules heaven and earth from eternity to eternity. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my works to the King."
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Prayer

Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech Thee, unto us Thy servants the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that, as in the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin our salvation began, so from the votive solemnity of her nativity we may obtain an increase of peace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Epistle: Proverbs 8:22-35

The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived, neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out; the mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established; before the hills I was brought forth; He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when with a certain law and compass He enclosed the depths; when He established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters; when He compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their limits; when He balanced the fouudations of the earth, I was with Him forming all things; and was delighted every day, playing before Him at all times; playing in the world, and my delight is to be with the children of men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear me: Blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors. He that shall find me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord.

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-18

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob, begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Nasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Unag. And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abias. And Abias begot Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Let us honor Mary, especially by imitation of those virtues of hers which are to us, as Saint John Damascene says, an open book of instruction; let us rejoice in her prerogatives and glory; let us encourage others in the veneration of her; let us, in our need, have recourse to her, who, according to the name Star of the Sea with which the Church salutes her, shines for all who sail upon the dangerous sea of the world. For this reason Saint Bernard calls out to each one of us,
"Take not your eyes from the light of this star if you would not be overwhelmed by the waves; if the storms of temptation arise, if you are thrown upon the rocks of affliction, look to the star, invoke Mary. Are you confounded at the enormity of your sins, are you ashamed at the defilement of your conscience, are you terrified on account of the dreadful judgment, so that you begin to be overpowered by sadness, or even to sink into the abyss of despair, then turn your thoughts to Mary. In dangers, in distress, in doubt, call on Mary. She will not be far from your mouth, or your heart; and that you may obtain her intercession omit not to imitate her conduct. When you follow her, you will not go astray; when you invoke her, you will no longer be in doubt; when she supports yon, yon will not fall; when she leads you, you will surely come to eternal life, and will find by your own experience that she is justly called Maria - that is, Star of the Sea."

--Goffine's Devout Instructions



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Meditations with Mary IV

Luke Chapter 2:14-19

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."

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Reflection

When we read how Mary pondered many things in her heart, many mistake this to believe that Mary did not know who Jesus is.

Is it more the case that Mary knowing fully who Jesus is, yet still pondered the fact that the Divine God would lower Himself to a mere creature. A vulnerable baby, in need of nurturing and care, indeed in need of love.

Through Mary we can also glimpse that there is much to ponder the Creator of all becomes the created, wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. No-one had made room for this Prince of Peace, there were no vacancies for the King of Kings.

Is Christ still yearning for a place in your heart? This Prince, this King this Divine God who gave all, for love of...you.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

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Meditation with Mary III

Meditation

Luke Chapter 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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Reflection

When we read this Scripture it reminds us that Joseph and Mary lived ordinary lives in an extraordinary way. Caesar had ordered this enrollment both Joseph and Mary like many others were obeying the law, neither of them thought themselves above the law of the land or better than others.

This display of obeying the law like any other people shows both Joseph and Mary's complete humility without the least bit of subservience to those in authority.

Yet, Mary was heavy with child, this must have been a troubling thought for Joseph as they journeyed together towards Bethlehem. It also must have been a difficult journey for Mary as she was jostled about on the donkey. We cannot imagine what thoughts were running through Joseph and Mary's mind but we can imagine the ordeal of having to travel quite a distance at such an hour of Promise.

Perhaps it is like how many of us journey on our path of faith. At times the road seems difficult it brings us great hardship and discomfort, but the outcome is worth it. We would not be where we are if we had not taken that first step into the unknown.

Like Joseph and Mary we travel a path known only to God. Do we do this from a spirit of obedience or do we begrudge every step?

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

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Meditation With Saint Joseph

Meditation

Matthew chapter 1:18-24

"Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home."

Reflection

When we look at Joseph he seems to be a bit of an enigma, what do we make of this man who God found to be righteous?Just as with Mary, God did not simply pick Joseph from a pack he created Joseph to be true father to His Son Jesus, from the beginning Joseph was chosen to bear this honour for all time.

What we learn from Joseph is the lesson of listening. Joseph's ears were not attuned to what people would think of him, rather Joseph listened to the voice of God which floats through our heart as a gentle breeze ripples past a still pond disturbing but not enraging the quiet water.

This man not only listen to that still small voice of God, he then obeyed it without question. He did not question God's Wisdom but rather played his part in fulfilling the Will of God through humble servitude. Joseph accepted the responsibility that God entrusted to him, this righteous man above men put God first in his life and upon hearing the words of the Angel he then took Mary as his beloved and chaste spouse as they both perfected what living the Divine Will means to every family that embraces Catholic values.

At the heart of Joseph we see a man who bends to the Will of God in total and absolute self denial as he follows what God has requested of him, he who is a simple carpenter. There is no false humility, Joseph simply got on with what God had asked of him and from him we learn what true self giving is, and the quiet depths of a man totally in love with his Hidden God. A God who he would hold in his arms as Mary rested...This is Joseph a man after God's own Heart.

How much is your heart attuned to hear the still small voice of God?

Meditation with Mary II

Meditation

Luke Chapter 1:46-55

And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

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Reflection

We have had many Saints who led immensely holy lives their total love and zealousness for God is truly an example to us all. What makes Mary different from these wonderful Saints of our Church? It is by looking at the Saints that we gain a glimpse of just how unique and glorious that Mary truly is.

Mary was without sin as her soul was filled with Grace, therefore there is no corruption within the heart and soul of Mary. Still Mary was an ordinary woman, filled with an extraordinary love of God which overwhelms her completely. It is this consummation that makes Mary beloved of God, as the Triune Spirit glories in their perfect creature.

Within the heart of Mary is the illumination of the Triune Spirit. It is through Mary we gain a glimpse of the Divine as Mary surrendered herself to the Triune Spirit. Through Mary we also see the perfect joy that the Triune Spirit enjoyed when gazing at their most perfect woman, who with her Fiat, Mary in perfect conformity to The Divine Will, undid the imperfect will of Eve.

Mary is the beloved of the Triune Spirit, there can be no-one who can replace or who can compare to this most perfect wonderment of womanhood. It is also through Mary that we also gain a glimpse as to what we can be when we transcend our limitations and surrender our hearts to the Will of the Divine.

Mary is essentially, beloved of the Trinity for all time. For those who question Mary's place should ponder this thought; if Mary found favour with the Trinity who are any of us to find disfavour?

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

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Meditation With Mary

Luke Chapter 1:26-36

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

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Reflection

Like many young girls born in Israel Mary also longed for the coming of the Messiah, and just like others her age she too prayed that the Messiah would soon enter the world and defeat evil forever.

Mary understood evil, even though no thoughts of evil ever entered her heart or mind, for God had blessed her from the beginning of time and filled her with Grace.

What a responsibility for such a young girl, but as we can see Mary's heart was open to receive the Truth though her heart was full of trepidation at the enormity of this Revelation, still Mary's love of God overcame her concerns. What joy must have filled her young heart, no-one can imagine the intensity of this inner joy and ecstasy that pierced Mary to her depths.

When we look at Mary let us also follow her example and keep our own hearts open to the Holy Spirit so that we may be made Holy through the work of the Spirit of God within our souls. Also like Mary help us to recognise God's Truth in order to be obedient to the Divine Will as was Mary, our most perfect example.

Peace of Christ to ALL

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Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

July 2

This day is called the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary because on it Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, whom, as the angel had told her, God had blessed with a son in her old age.

In the Introit of the Mass the Church sings:

"Hail, holy parent, who didst bring trth the King Who rules heaven and earth forever. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak of my works for the King."

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Prayer

Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech Thee, unto us Thy servants the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that, as in the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin our salvation began, so from the votive solemnity of her visitation we may obtain an increase of peace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.

Epistle: Canticle 2:8-14

Behold he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping over the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart; behold he standeth behind our wall, looking through the windows, looking through the lattices. Behold my beloved speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, my love, my dove, my beautiful one, and come. For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in our land, the tune of pruning is come; the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig-tree hath put forth her green figs; the vines in flower yield their sweet smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come; my dove in the clifts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall, show me thy face, let thy voice sound in my ears; for thy. voice is sweet, and thy face comely.

Gospel: Luke 1:39-47

At that time: Mary rising up went unto the hill-country with haste, into a city of Juda; and she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. And Mary saId: My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

1. As soon as Mary heard that Elizabeth was with child she hastened to her. The alacrity of the Blessed Virgin teaches us that we should take part with gladness in the happiness of our fellow-men, and quickly make ourselves ready to discharge our duties, sacrificing for that object, if necessary, even our own much-loved retirement, our devotions and other exercises of piety.

2. Mary visited her cousin out of real love, not out of unmeaning ceremony. Would that her example were followed in our visits!

3. By the visit of the Blessed Virgin John was sanctified in his mother's womb, and Elizabeth, enlightened by the Holy Ghost, knew, by the miraculous movements of her child, that Mary was the Mother of the Lord. Such effects did this visit produce. What would Jesus effect in us if we received Him with due preparation!

Explanation of the Canticle "Magnificat," Or "My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord"

In this hymn Mary with joy praises God, the Lord, that He has regarded her humility, aud made her to be the Mother of His only-begotten Son, wherefore she should be called blessed by all generations; and she declares the truths and mysteries which the incarnation brought to light. The mercy of God, namely, reaches from generation to generation to them that fear Him. He scatters the thoughts of the proud, and puts down from their seats the mighty; but He exalts the humble. He fills those who hunger for justice with good things, but those who think themselves rich He sends away empty. He receives all true Israelites, and performs in them the promises which He gave to the fathers. This hymn is repeated by the Church every day at Vespers, in praise of the work of redemption, begun by the incarnation of the Son of God in Mary. Would that every Christian, since he becomes one only by Christ being, as it were, born in him, might share those feelings which the Blessed Virgin and Mother has expressed in this hymn of praise, and, with the Church, daily praise God for the mystery of the incarnation!

Aspiration

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who didst descend from the highest heavens io the womb of the Virgin Mary, didst therein rest for rune months, and with her didst condescend to visit and sanctify Saint John, grant that we, by the practice of good works, particularly of humility, may become partakers of the fruits of Thy incarnation.

--Goffine's Devout Instructions

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