Thought for the Day – 4 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The Second Joyful Mystery
Mary’s Visit to St Elizabeth
“As soon as Mary entered her cousin’s house, Elizabeth was inspired by the Holy Spirit and felt the infant in her womb, leaping with joy in the presence of Jesus and His Mother.
“Blessed art thou amongst women,” she cried out, “and blessed is the fruit of thy wom! And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord, should come to me?” (Lk 1:42-43).
Then, the Blessed Virgin, in her joy and gratitude, gave utterance to the Magnificat.
This expression of her happiness, was interwoven, however, with sentiments of deep humility.
“My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.
For He has regarded the humility of His handmaid, for behold, henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed.
Because He Who is Mighty, has done great things for me and holy is His Name.
And His Mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.
He has shown might with His Arm, He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, His servant, mindful of His Mercy – even as He spoke to our fathers – to Abraham and to his posterity forever.” (Lk 1:46-55).
If, at that moment, they could have heard the words of this poor and unknown girl, what would the might Emperor Caesar Augustus, or the petty King, Herod, have said?
Yet history is there to demonstrate the astounding truth of these prophetic words.
Generations of yesterday and of today, have bowed in reverence before this simple maiden, while one after another rulers, have been tumbling from their thrones!
Let us honour the Blessed Virgin too and learn from her, to love humility and holiness.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci
PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/04/thought-for-the-day-4-october-the-second-joyful-mystery-marys-visit-to-st-elizabeth/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/04/thought-for-the-day-4-october-the-second-joyful-mystery-marys-visit-to-st-elizabeth-2/
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