Mary set outand traveled to the hill country in hasteto 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."
REFLECTION
Today we celebrate the Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We not only honor Mary's name but the woman chosen by God to be the Mother of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
There is something special about the name of someone we love. When in trouble, worried, needing advice or someone to share my joys and sorrows, there is a name that pops up for me. That is mama. My earthly mother.
Mother Mary is also a name bringing comfort, kindness, love and many graces. She is my heavenly Mother, the Mother of Jesus Christ. He gave her to us while dying on the Cross. She intercedes for her children.
Mother Mary loves us all --those who live God fearing lives and those who have fallen away. St Alphonsus Liguori, Patron Saint of Confessors and Patron Saint of PAPA said, "A child of Mary will never be lost." As we experience the drudgery of life, our Mother holds us snugly and lovingly in her arms. The Immaculate Heart of Mary is PAPA's patron, "our Mama". She watches over the priests. We respect, honor and love Mary because she is the Mother of God and also our Mother.
With rosary in hand let us pray :
Mother Mary,
Help me trust when I don't understand.
Help me bear good fruit in my undertakings.
Help rid me of bitterness, resentment, pride, sloth and overreacting.
Help me to love and live.
But most of all, Mother, lead me, my friends and all to the loving arms of your Son, Jesus.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Thank you!