The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

• First Reading – Zephaniah 3:14-18a: Rejoice and sing with all your heart, for the Lord has removed your judgment, turned away your enemies, and is present among you as a mighty savior who rejoices and loves you, bringing you renewal and celebration.
• Alternate First Reading – Romans 12:9-16: Love sincerely, reject evil, honor others, serve the Lord, persevere in prayer, support fellow believers, bless persecutors, empathize, be humble.
• Responsorial Psalm – Isaiah 12: Rejoice in the Lord, for He is our Savior and the source of strength and courage; let us give thanks, proclaim His greatness, and celebrate His presence among us.
• Gospel – Luke 1:39-56: Mary embarked on a journey to the hill country, greeted Elizabeth, and stayed with her for three months before returning home, while Elizabeth exclaimed that Mary was blessed among women and her unborn child leaped in joy upon hearing Mary’s greeting.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb.

Luke 1:41

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. Both women were expecting children, and this event shows their joy and faith.

• Joyful Encounter: Mary and Elizabeth meet and share joy. The Gospel tells us Elizabeth’s baby leaped with joy when Mary greeted her. This shows the happiness that comes from meeting someone special.
• Blessed Women: Mary is called blessed by Elizabeth. The Gospel explains that Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith. This theme highlights the special role of Mary and Elizabeth in God’s plan.
• Divine Presence: God is with us. Zephaniah describes God living among his people, bringing joy and renewal. This connects to Mary carrying Jesus, who is God with us.
• Mutual Support: Mary stays with Elizabeth for three months. This shows they supported each other as they prepared to have their babies. It teaches us the value of helping and being with others in important times.
• Fulfillment of Promise: God keeps his promises. Mary’s song, the Magnificat, talks about how God helps his people as he promised to our ancestors. This assures us that God always fulfills his promises.

The themes of the Visitation teach us about joy, support, and God’s presence. They remind us to celebrate our faith and support each other.

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we reflect on the beautiful encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, as described in the Gospel of Luke 1:39-56. This passage invites us to contemplate the profound significance of this meeting and draws our attention to the virtues of humility, faith, and joy that Mary exemplifies for all of us.

When Mary received the angel Gabriel’s message that she would conceive the Son of God, she humbly accepted her role in God’s plan. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she embarked on a journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was also with child. Mary’s visitation reminds us of the importance of reaching out to others, especially in times of need. It demonstrates the power of genuine love and solidarity, as Mary selflessly went to assist Elizabeth during her own miraculous pregnancy.

Upon Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized the profound significance of Mary’s presence. In a beautiful outpouring of praise, Elizabeth exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Elizabeth’s words echo through the centuries, affirming the unique and blessed role that Mary would play in salvation history.

In response to Elizabeth’s greeting, Mary offers her profound hymn of praise, known as the Magnificat. This prayer encapsulates Mary’s deep faith and trust in God’s providence. Mary’s soul magnifies the Lord, and she rejoices in God her Savior. Her words proclaim the great things that the Almighty has done for her and for all generations. Mary’s faith teaches us to trust in God’s promises and to give glory to Him in all circumstances.

The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth is a celebration of the joy that springs from a life of faith and surrender to God’s will. Both women exude a contagious joy that arises from their encounter with the divine. Elizabeth’s baby, John the Baptist, leaps in her womb at the sound of Mary’s voice, recognizing the presence of the unborn Christ. This moment serves as a reminder that true joy comes from embracing the presence of Jesus in our lives, allowing Him to transform us from within.

As we reflect on the Feast of the Visitation, we are called to imitate the virtues displayed by Mary and Elizabeth. We are invited to approach others with humility, compassion, and a readiness to serve. We are encouraged to deepen our faith, to trust in God’s plan for our lives, and to surrender ourselves to His will. And we are reminded that true joy is found in encountering Christ and sharing His love with those around us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the humility and faith of Mary, that we may joyfully serve and bring your love to others, just as she did during her visitation to Elizabeth. May our lives reflect the joy and hope found in encountering Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Word on Fire: Discovering Our Role in God’s Story

In his reflection for the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. He highlights Mary’s “haste” to see her cousin after learning of their miraculous pregnancies. This urgency reflects Mary’s realization of her role in God’s plan, the “theo-drama.” Unlike the “ego-drama,” where we center our lives around our own choices, the theo-drama is directed by God. Mary’s eagerness to visit Elizabeth shows her desire to embrace her part in God’s story. We, like Mary, are called to find our place in this divine narrative.

What date is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

It is observed annually on May 31. The next date is Saturday May 31, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary?

The Mass readings for Saturday May 31, 2025 are:
First Reading – Zephaniah 3:14-18a: Rejoice in God’s Love
Alternate First Reading – Romans 12:9-16: Genuine Love in Action
Responsorial Psalm – Isaiah 12: Proclaiming God’s Salvation
Gospel – Luke 1:39-56: The Joyful Encounter 

What is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary about?

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. Both women were expecting babies and shared their happiness.

Why did Mary visit Elizabeth?

Mary went to see Elizabeth to share their joy of expecting babies. It shows how family and friends support each other.

What does Elizabeth mean by calling Mary “blessed”?

In the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Elizabeth calls Mary “blessed” because Mary believed in God’s promise. It shows that trusting God is important.

Why does Elizabeth’s baby leap in her womb?

Elizabeth’s baby leaped because he sensed Jesus’ presence. This shows that joy can start even before we are born.

What is the Magnificat?

The Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise. In it, she thanks God for his blessings and help. It teaches us to be thankful.

How can we apply the joy from the readings in our lives?

We can be joyful like Mary and Elizabeth by helping and supporting our friends and family. This makes our relationships stronger.

What does it mean that God is among us in Zephaniah’s reading?

In the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it means God is always with us, helping and loving us. We should feel comforted and joyful because of this.

How can we show that we are grateful like Mary?

We can be grateful by helping others and praising God. This helps spread joy and thankfulness.