31 May 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: DO WE EXPERIENCE JOY IN ENCOUNTERING THE WORD OF GOD IN OUR LIVES?

First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-18a or Romans 12: 9-16
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
Alleluia: Luke 1: 45
Gospel: Luke 1: 39-56

Today's scripture reading deserves to be reflected with gladness in light of St. Ambrose's writings on the Visitation that reveals to us three things: rejoicing, fulfillment, and mystery. According to St. Luke, “Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country” to visit her cousin, Elizabeth.

Through Jesus’ unseen presence, the women praise the Lord for the great works He has done for them. Mary is indeed the first evangelizer when she brings the unborn Christ to Elizabeth and her unborn son. John is the first to respond to Mary’s word by leaping at the sound of her voice. Then Elizabeth exclaims with great joy that the Mother of her Lord has come to visit her. She then acknowledges in faith the great mystery God has fulfilled in Mary, when she says, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord”.

May we also experience her joy in bringing the Word Incarnate to others and may her example give us hope that in the fullness of time, we too, shall also be partaking of the heavenly banquet in the wedding feast of the Lamb.

This is the 1144th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Raymond Bucu, Head of the CFC Gateway Evangelization Programs, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray