the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and, giving a loud cry,
said, “You are most blessed among women; and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How
is it, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?

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 to
our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.“

Reflect

Mary was the perfect disciple. Every time we see her in the Gospels, she is showing
us how to follow Jesus and obey God’s will. She listens for God’s voice, trusts in his
word, and says yes when he calls her. She treasured her moments with her son,
reflecting on them in her heart. She followed Jesus in his ministry, even to the cross
and beyond to the tomb. Because she was the perfect disciple, after her death,
she was taken body and soul to heaven in the assumption, the mystery we celebrate
today. Even in death, Mary showed us what to do.

If we follow Mary’s example, we too will listen for God’s word and conform our lives to
his will. We will reflect on God’s presence in our lives, treasuring these signs of his love.
We will take up our crosses and follow Jesus, knowing that death is not the end.
And when we die, we trust that we will ultimately follow Mary’s path one last time,
to heaven.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023