MY daily reflection and prayer:
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Twentieth Sunday in the Ordinary Time
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to Luke 1:39-56
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
According to Indonesian Liturgical Calendarium, today is the Feast of St. Mary Assumpta. We know that St. Mary is a model of faith, hope and love for us. Today is her heavenly birthday when she was received into heaven.
Truly, St. Mary is among “the first-fruits” of “all those who belong to Jesus” and who share in his triumph (1 Corinthians15:20-24). Her reception into heaven is seen as a sign to all believing Christians of the promise Jesus Christ made that we too would be received into heaven.
Jesus himself told his disciples that he would prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. St. John writes, “And when I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3).
St. Mary is our model of faith, hope and love. She accepted her mission with uncompromising faith and obedience. She acted with unwavering trust and faith because she believed that God would fulfill the word he had spoken.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist, while worshipping Jesus Christ we ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with the joy and hope of heaven. We learn from St. Mary to renew our faith. We hope in God’s promises and to make us strong in love for God and our neighbor.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, may we live in the joy and confidence of God’s indwelling presence with us through your Holy Spirit. Give us joy in seeking you more closely now and forever. Amen.
Pastoran Algonz Surabaya
»̶·̵̭̌·̵̭̌✽̤̈̊•Ɓέяќǎђ•Đǎlєm•✽̤̥̈̊·̵̭̌·̵̭̌«̶
Sent from my heart of abudhenkpr
“abdi Dalem palawija”
Majalah INSPIRASI, Lentera yang Membebaskan
Photo credit: Ist
