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Writer's pictureMary Jo Barr

FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MAY 31, 2022



A Gospel according to Lk 1:39-56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.


REFLECTION

"For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy."


While I was pregnant with my babies, I use to read and sing songs to them because I believed they could hear.


Did you know that at 18 weeks a fetus in the mother's womb can hear the sounds of his/her mother's heartbeat?


Can a fetus hear sounds outside of the womb?


According to some doctors by 25 to 29 weeks a fetus can hear the sounds of your voice. Doctors also recognize that there are benefits to reading and singing to your baby belly. These loving sounds will "help build bonds, promote development, and serve as a source of joy for years to come." (healthychildren.org)


Can a fetus see light?


They can "see" light starting at 16 weeks. (whattoexpect.com)

Again doctors say that light can be "seen" by the fetus. The womb is dark, but if the mom sits in the sun or in bright light the fetus can detect the brightness. Some prenatal experts say that "getting outside often might help a baby's eyes develop and reduce the risk of a few eye disorders." (babycenter.com)


It is amazing how much we know about the development of a fetus. Our technology today allows doctors to study fetal development with high-tech 3-D ultrasound and camera technology.


Mary's immediate response to her cousin's need was significant in more than meets the eye. Not only did Mary go to Elizabeth out of compassion and charity, but she was bringing "Good News," Jesus. Mary's voice greeting Elizabeth made John the Baptist "leap" in his mother's womb. John heard Mary and sensed her glow and Jesus' light. At that time Elizabeth was six months pregnant. Without any sophisticated medical equipment, Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit knew that John leaped for joy because Mary was bearing his Savior.


Let us rejoice today on the Feast of Visitation! Because Mary said, "Yes," we have Jesus in the Holy Eucharist at every Mass. Rejoice that Jesus gave His disciples the power to consecrate the bread and wine to become the Body and Blood of Our Lord!


Let us pray our Prayer for Priests. Pray that they are obedient to God and faithful to Him. Let us pray that our Catholic priests and bishops stand for life.






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