Blessed Virgin Mary

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Galatians 3:22-29

But the written Law has imprisoned all things under the power of sin,

So that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ, would be accomplished in those who believe. Before the time of faith had come, the Law confined us and kept us in custody until the time in which faith would show up.

The Law then was serving as a slave to look after us until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. With the coming of faith, we are no longer submitted to this guidance.  Now, in Christ Jesus, all of you are sons and daughters of God through faith.

All of you who were given to Christ through baptism, have put on Christ. Here there is no longer any difference between Jew or Greek, or between slave or freed, or between man and woman: but all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Christ, you are of Abra­ham’s race and you are to inherit God’s promise.

 

Ps 105: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7

The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Luke 11:27-28

As Jesus was speaking, a woman spoke from the crowd and said to him, “Blessed is the one who bore you and nursed you!” Jesus replied, “Surely blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it as well.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

Many parishes have a daily community rosary in the month of October. With each “Hail Mary”we pray not only the greeting of the Archangel Gabriel but also the greeting of Elizabeth to Mary at the Visitation.

Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, addressed Mary as “blessed.” She felt so blessed that the Mother of God had come to visit her even as her own baby  John in her womb “leaped for joy”.

Indeed, to have Mary visit you is cause for great joy! She is “The Cause of our joy” because she always brings her Son with her. Where the Mother is, there also is her Son, the Divine Word!

The woman in the crowd in today’s Gospel heard Jesus preaching and naturally, like most mothers, declared that his mother must be very “blessed!”in her gut feeling she concluded that Jesus had learned much from his mother.

Jesus acknowledges the woman and accepts her accolade for his mother, Mary, but also further adds another dimension to the blessedness of Mary, namely, that she was a woman who received the Word, not only in her womb but also in her life (as St. Augustine tells us).

What a beautiful prayer is the Hail Mary! Surely, not only is Mary most pleased with the prayer, but equally pleased with this prayer must be Jesus, the Son of Mary and the Holy Spirit, the Spouse of Mary! Come then, let us pray with joy “The Hail Mary!”